V 

MRS.  BE¥ER 


FROM  THE  EIGHTH  GERMAN  EDITION  OF 

PAUL  LINDAU, 

Author  op  “Helen  Young.11 


Translated  by  Mrs.  D.  M.  Lowrey. 


CHICAGO  AND  NEW  YORK: 

Rand,  McNally  & Company,  Publishers. 

1892. 


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Cut  this  advertisement  o ut , and  return  with  y o ur  letter . , 


Copyright,  1892,  by  Rand,  McNally  & Co. 


PREFACE. 


A critic  in  the  Vossiche  Zeitung  has  given 
his  readers  to  understand  that  my  story  of  “Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Bewer”  has  so  many  points  of  similarity 
with  an  interesting  but,  so  far  as  Germany  is  con- 
cerned, a little  known  drama  of  Emile  Augier, 
that  I have  really  no  right  to  claim  my  work  as 
my  intellectual  property. 

It  is  always  an  unpleasant  thing  to  be  accused 
of  appropriating  the  product  of  another’s  labor, 
and  particularly  is  this  the  case  where  one  has 
the  consciousness  that  his  work  is  the  product  of 
conscientious  and  personal  effort. 

The  critic  did  not  categorically  accuse  me  of 
plagiarism,  but  his  insinuations  were  so  strongly 
marked  that  many  persons,  including  some  to 
whose  opinions  I could  not  be  indifferent,  have 
been  led  to  suppose  that  there  might  be  some 
possible  justification  for  the  aspersion — a most 
natural  result  in  view  of  the  authoritative 
position  occupied  by  the  journal  in  question  in 
all  literary  matters. 

My  accuser  gives  an  outline  of  Augier’ s drama, 
“Le  Manage  d’Olympe,”  which  he  says  coin 

(5) 


Univ.of  111.  Library 
51 

1 216  a. 

6 PREFACE 

cides  remarkably  with  the  plan  of  my  story; 
indeed,  the  agreement  between  the  two  works,  in 
one  point  at  least,  extends  to  identity  of  expres- 
sion. In  both  we  find  the  phrase,  “The  duck 
returns  to  water.”  Now  it  does  seem  to  me  that 
our  common  use  of  a popular  proverb  ought  not 
to  discredit  my  statement  that  in  writing  my  story 
I never  thought  of  the  Frenchman’s  play. 

Likewise,  I may  perhaps  have  written,  “A  clap 
of  thunder  out  of  a clear  sky,”  “Poor  as  a church 
mouse,”  or  made  use  of  some  other  and  similar 
expression  which  a well-read  critic  would  have 
little  difficulty  in  proving  had  already  appeared 
in  the  works  of  authors  who  have  gone  before 
me. 

In  drawing  a picture  of  that  mysterious  power 
which  draws  a low  nature  from  the  height  to 
which  it  has  accidentally  been  raised  back  to  its 
original  baseness,  it  is  most  probable  that  I was 
influenced,  not  by  Augier’s  drama,  but  rather  by 
the  philosophy  of  the  old  German  proverb,  ‘ £ Set 
a frog  on  a golden  stool  and  he’ll  hop  straightway 
to  his  slimy  pool.” 

Our  critic,  indeed,  has  overlooked  very  many 
points  of  resemblance  between  my  story  and  those 
of  other  novelists  which  I am  quite  ready  to 
acknowledge.  For  example,  Klaus  goes  walking 
with  Kathi  just  as  Hermann  did  with  Dorothea. 
Then  think  of  the  substance  of  my  tale.  He  sees 


PREFACE. 


7 


her!  She  makes  a deep  impression  on  him  at 
once!  He  approaches  her  boldly!  A friend  who 
wishes  to  bring  him  into  merry  company  makes 
them  acquainted.  She  is  a poor,  ignorant  child 
and  says  ‘ ‘ yes  ’ ’ to  everything.  It’ s really  impos- 
sible to  understand  what  he  can  see  in  her  to  ad- 
mire. He  is  her  superior  in  education,  and  after 
the  climax  he  yearns  for  solitude  and  gives  him- 
self over  to  unedifying  musings.  Finally  he  leaves 
her.  Now,  when  we  come  to  think  it  over  there  is 
in  this  nothing  different  from  the  well-known  his- 
tory of  Doctor  Faust.  We  have  only  to  change 
the  names  Klaus  and  Kathi  and  Leo,  into  Faust, 
Gretchen,  and  Mephistopheles,  to  make  the  par- 
allel perfect. 

The  fact  that  “ Le  Manage  d’Olympe”  is 
little  known  in  Germany  prevented  the  larger 
circle  of  readers  from  detecting  the  untruth  of  the 
calumny  published  against  me,  therefore  I deter- 
mined to  justify  myself  by  applying  to  the  one  man 
whose  judgment  all  must  consider  authoritative. 
I informed  Emile  Augier  of  the  accusation  made 
against  me,  and  asked  him  if  he  considered  my 
work  an  improper  appropriation  of  his.  To  my 
letter  I received  the  following  reply: 

Paris,  March  22,  1882.  • 

My  Dear  Lindau:  I have  read  your  charming 
story  of  “Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bewer”  with  the  liveliest 
interest.  When  I say  I have  read  it,  I flatter  my- 
self. I ought  rather  to  say  I had  it  translated  for 


8 


PREFACE. 


me,  for  you  know  very  well  my  ignorance  of  mod- 
ern languages.  I was  on  the  point  of  writing  you 
a note  of  congratulation  when  I received  your 
letter.  You  tell  me  that  the  critics  declare  your 
story  to  have  reprehensible  similarity  with  my 
play  ‘ ‘ Le  Manage  d’  Olympe.  ’ ’ My  astonishment 
is  not  less  than  yours.  Your  whole  literary 
activity  should  have  protected  you  against  such  a 
suggestion.  But  aside  from  that,  what  possible 
connection  is  there  between  the  two  works?  What 
I had  in  mind  was  the  morbid  notion  of  the  eleva- 
tion and  redemption  of  woman  through  love,  which 
at  that  time  ran  riot  through  our  French  literature, 
and  indeed  made  its  influence  felt  to  a certain 
extent  upon  our  manners.  I carefully  defined  the 
limits  of  my  subject  in  my  first  scene. 

“Then  you  are  of  opinion,  Monsieur  le  Marquis, 
that  there  are  no  penitent  Magdalens?” 

“ Oh,  yes,  there  are,  but  only  in  the  desert.” 

The  whole  play  is  but  the  development  of  this 
idea.  Olympe  is  homesick  for  dirt,  she  is  about 
to  sell  herself  for  a diamond  necklace,  and  forgets 
in  so  doing  that  she  already  has  an  income  of  a 
hundred  thousand  francs. 

She  is  prepared  to  throw  off  every  restraint  that 
she  may  return  to  her  vices,  when  a 'pistol  ball 
nails  her  fast  to  the  threshold  of  the  conjugal 
chamber. 

Y our  subject,  on  the  other  hand,  is  a mesalliance , 
not  of  birth  nor  of  property,  but  of  education.  A 
genuine,  modem  mesalliance , in  which  the  differ- 
ences are  most  difficult  of  accommodation.  Your 
Kathi  is  no  debased  nature  and  has  no  past  behind 
her  which  she  must  make  good.  As  a married 
woman  she  was  respectable,  just  as  she  had  prob- 


PREFACE. 


ably  been  a decent  girl.  The  gulf  which  separated 
her  from  her  husband  was  mental  and  moral  ine- 
quality. This  is  a deep  and  entirely  modern  prob- 
lem, upon  which,  I will  say  to  you,  I have  myself 
done  a good  deal  of  thinking,  and  which  I have 
long  been  intending  to  make  the  subject  of  an 
original  work  when  the  opportunity  offers. 

You  will  see  from  what  I have  written  how  little, 
in  my  opinion,  there  is  of  similarity  between  your 
story  and  “ Le  Manage  d’Olympe.” 

This  letter  ought  to  be  a complete  refutation  of 
the  accusations  against  you.  Let  them  say  and 
write  what  they  will,  and  do  you  go  quietly  on  your 
way. 

I cordially  press  your  hand. 

Emile  Augier. 

To  these  words  I have  only  to  add  my  hearty 
thanks  to  this  distinguished  writer  and  amicable 
correspondent.  P.  L. 

Berlin,  March,  1882. 


IR.  AND  IRS.  REWER. 


CHAPTER  I. 

As  he  entered  the  back  room  of  the  famous 
Dressel  restaurant,  there  was  a sudden  hush  in 
the  conversation  which  had  been  going  on  glibly 
enough  before  he  made  his  appearance.  The 
guests  who  were  gathered  around  the  “ Stamm- 
tisch”  threw  surprised,  questioning  glances  at 
the  man  who  had  ventured  to  intrude  upon  their 
privacy. 

This  little  room,  at  the  rear  of  a long  and  ele- 
gantly appointed  suite,  had  its  usual  complement 
of  guests,  men  who  had  assembled  nightly  within 
its  walls,  and  who,  because  they  were  seldom 
annoyed  by  strangers  in  this  their  special  sanc- 
tum, had  grown  to  regard  all  new  comers  as 
interlopers. 

It  was  simple,  and  comfortably  furnished,  and 
in  sharp  contrast  to  the  glitter  and  light  of  those 
large  rooms  which  either  faced,  or  lay  nearer,  the 
street.  Photographs  of  more  or  less  celebrated 
actors  and  actresses  hung  on  the  walls,  under 

(«) 


12 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


many  of  which  Mine  Host  had  written  compli- 
mentary dedications.  On  the  etagere  stood  a 
primitive  collection  of  books,  obviously  for  the 
use  of  the  habitues  of  the  room.  Bets  were  set- 
tled now  and  then  by  a reference  to  this  little 
library,  which  consisted  of  “ Wolff’s  Household 
Treasury  of  Poetry,”  “Meyer’s  Smaller  Lexicon 
of  Universal  Knowledge,”  “ Statistics  of  the  City 
of  Berlin,”  “Buchman’s  Familiar  Quotations,” 
the  Army  and  Navy  List,  three  Grotha  almanacs, 
and  a theatrical  calendar. 

The  waiter  always  greeted  the  guests  by  name 
or  title,  and,  knowing  the  taste  of  each,  catered 
to  it  without  waiting  for  any  order.  The  regular 
customers  in  turn  acknowledged  the  man’s  pres- 
ence with  a careless  nod  or  smile,  or  a “Here 
we  are  again,  Ned!” 

Any  man  who  unwittingly  strayed  into  this 
room  was  made  to  feel  at  once  that  he  had  made 
a mistake.  There  was  a sudden  hush  and  a look 
of  expectancy  from  the  occupants,  as  if  they  were 
waiting  for  the  new  comer  to  deliver  his  message 
and  depart.  Naturally,  there  was  no  message  to 
deliver,  but  the  stranger  always  retreated  precipi- 
tately, with  the  conscious  feeling  of  having  gone 
far  a-field  of  his  moorings. 

To-night,  however,  was  an  exception.  The  tall, 
strong  man  who  had  interrupted  their  talk  seemed 
to  suffer  from  no  feeling  of  discomfort.  He  cast 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEB. 


13 


an  indifferent  look  toward  those  who  were  giving 
him  such  marked  attention,  then  crossed  the  room 
and  hung  his  broad  straw  hat  on  a hook,  placing 
his  heavy  iron-bound  walking  stick  near  it;  then, 
turning,  he  seated  himself  quietly  at  one  of  the 
little  tables  and  ordered  a bottle  of  seltzer  water 
and  a glass  of  cognac. 

Ned,  who  was  about  to  hand  him  a wine  card, 
tossed  it  aside  with  a sarcastic  expression  of  dis- 
illusion and  disappeared  to  fill  the  modest  order. 

Not  only  in  this  little  company  would  the 
stranger’s  appearance  have  been  remarkable.  He 
was  an  unusually  large  and  handsome  man.  He 
must  have  stood  fully  six  feet  three,  and  his 
figure  was  in  proportion  to  his  height.  He  was, 
in  truth,  a young  giant.  Broad-shouldered,  full- 
chested, with  strong  limbs,  and  large,  but  well 
proportioned,  hands  and  feet. 

The  type  of  the  great  original  of  his  race,  with 
thick  blonde  hair,  which  he  wore  closely  cropped, 
and  a long,  well-kept  beard  of  like  color,  which 
reached  down  to  his  breast.  His  forehead  was 
neither  high  nor  prominent.  His  eyes  were  large, 
very  large,  and  blue,  and  wore  a good-natured 
expression. 

The  singularity  about  the  man’s  face,  which,  in 
repose,  reminded  one  of  a Kaulbach  head,  was  the 
contrast  between  the  deeply  sunburned  skin  and 
the  golden  hair  and  beard.  He  was  past  thirty, 


14 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


of  that  there  could  be  no  doubt,  but  it  was  equally 
certain  that  he  had  not  yet  entered  into  his  forties. 

There  was  a few  minutes  pause  in  the  conversa- 
tion, and  then  it  slowly  began  to  flow  again.  But 
it  took  a different  channel  this  time,  and  the 
voices  were  subdued  almost  to  whispers. 

It  seldom  happens  that  an  intruder  silences  the 
majority  which  have  been  long  in  possession,  but 
this  young  stranger,  all  unawares,  commanded 
the  attention  of  the  half-dozen  congenial  fellows 
who  were  scanning  him  so  critically.  They  made 
many  shrewd  conjectures  concerning  him.  What 
might  his  name  be?  his  country?  his  station  in 
life?  A newly  issued  libretto  of  “Lohengrin  ” lay 
near,  and  one  of  the  men  suggested  that  he  was 
probably  the  new  Wagner  tenor,  who  was  to 
assume  the  title  rdle,  and  who  would  soon  appear 
on  the  boards  of  the  Court  Theater.  A second 
said  he  was  a Brandenburg  grandee,  or  an  officer 
of  cuirassiers  minus  his  uniform.  Another,  a 
skeptical  wretch,  was  convinced  he  was  a lion 
tamer,  or,  at  the  least,  the  head  of  a menagerie. 

The  blonde  giant  could  not  fail  to  note  that  he 
was  the  cynosure  of  all  eyes,  but  evidently  he  was 
accustomed  to  such  surveillance  and  paid  no  heed 
to  it.  He  took  a large  black  cigar  from  the  side 
pocket  of  his  light  summer  coat  and  lit  it  leis- 
urely. Then  he  drank  his  glass  of  cognac  and  selt- 
zer at  one  draught,  wiped  his  mouth  slowly 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


15 


with  his  large  silk  kerchief,  and  pulled  his  long 
beard  for  a minute,  after  which  he  reached  for  an 
evening  paper  and  leaned  back  comfortably  in 
his  chair  to  read  and  smoke.  It  happened  to  be 
only  an  advertisement  sheet,  devoted  to  the 
amusements  of  the  city,  but  it  seemed  to  satisfy 
him.  He  glanced  over  all  the  notices  on  one  side 
and  then  on  the  other.  Theta  he  threw  it  aside, 
took  the  cigar,  at  which  he  had  been  puffing 
steadily,  out  of  his  mouth  and  laid  it  on  the 
table,  looked  up  at  a clock,  threw  his  right  leg 
over  the  left,  clinked  on  his  glass  and  ordered 
more  seltzer  and  cognac,  and  took  up  the  dis- 
carded paper  once  more. 

He  had  resumed  his  reading  but  a minute  or 
two  when  a gentleman  whose  step  and  bearing 
bespoke  the  actor  entered  the  room.  The  con- 
stant practice  and  exaggeration  of  mimicry  had 
lined  his  face  with  deep  furrows,  and  these  were 
especially  emphasized  around  the  eyes  and  mouth. 
His  profile  was  sharply  cut  and  his  eyes  were 
unusually  bright  and  sparkling.  His  dark,  thick 
hair,  well  peppered  with  gray,  hung  in  heavy 
locks  on  his  high  broad  forehead.  Leo  Schnei- 
der had  for  years  delighted  his  audiences  in  the 
role  of  a bon  mvant,  but  he  was  now  on  the  eve 
of  resigning  such  parts  to  younger  men,  while  he 
assumed  the  agenda  of  the  comical  father.  Evi- 
dently he  was  at  home  here,  and  greeted  the  com- 


16 


ME.  AMD  MES.  BEWEE. 


pany  around  the  center-table  with  a smile  and  a 
wave  of  the  hand  as  he  crossed  the  room  hastily 
to  the  stranger. 

“Have  you  been  waiting  long?”  he  asked, 
extending  his  hand;  and,  without  waiting  for  a 
reply,  he  continued,  “It  beats  the  devil!  Ber- 
lin’s as  quiet  as  the  grave!  I’ve  just  come  from  a 
dozen  doors,  all  bolts  and  bars.  That  you  should 
happen  here  in  the  month  of  August  of  all 
months  in  the  year!  Well,  you’ll  just  have  to 
take  pot  luck  with  me  and  my  friends.  There 
isn’t  even  a cat  at  home.” 

“I’m  sure  I don’t  care,”  answered  the  giant. 
“ It  doesn’t  matter  to  me.  Sit  down!  ” 

“Hadn’t  we  better  join  the  others? ” with  a nod 
toward  the  Stammtisch.  “They  are  all  acquaint- 
ances of  mine,  and  pleasant  fellows.” 

“ As  you  please.” 

The  two  stepped  over  to  the  table  and  Leo 
Schneider  introduced  his  friend  as  Herr  Klaus 
Bewer  from  Sumatra. 

“Of  Liibeck,”  corrected  Klaus,  “of  Liibeck! 
I don’t  want  people  to  think  that  that  cursed 
Sumatra  is  my  home,  for  I haven’t  the  slightest 
desire  ever  to  see  the  place  again.” 

Schneider  related  with  wonderful  volubility 
how  much  he  had  been  surprised  at  receiving  a 
visit  from  his  old  friend,  Klaus  Bewer,  that  after- 
noon. He  had  imagined  the  wild  animals  had 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


17 


toi  ft  Wm  to  pieces  long  ago,  or  else  he  had  suc- 
cumbed to  the  fearful  climate.  When,  lo  and 
behold,  the  old  fellow  appeared  before  him,  just 
as  amiable  as  ever,  not  changed  a whit  in  these 
last  ten  years,  “except  that  he’s  broader  should- 
ered and  more  sunburned;  his  beard,  too,  has  grown 
a finger  longer,  but  still  he’s  the  same  old  Klaus, 
for  he  hadn’t  been  talking*  to  me  ten  minutes 
until  he  asked  abruptly  where  one  would  be 
likely  to  find  a pretty  wife!  And  here  was  he, 
Leo  Schneider,  his  true  friend,  who  had  never 
forgotten  the  jolly  hours  they  used  to  spend  to- 
gether in  Lubeck,  and  now,  though  he  had  searched 
the  city  over,  he  couldn’t  get  a gay  party  together 
for  that  night.  All  the  birds  had  flown;  the 
little  fairy  from  Friedrich  Wilhelm’s  city,  the 
great  Y.  from  Knoll,  the  heavy  Z.  from  Wallner 
— all  away;  one  to  the  baths,  another  to  Potsdam, 
a third  to  the  mountains.  Klaus  would  form  a 
deuced  fine  opinion  of  Berlin!  ” 

So  Leo  rattled  on,  all  in  the  same  quick  time 
and  with  the  same  amiability  and  animation. 
The  gentlemen  listened  attentively  and  encour- 
aged the  speaker  to  continue  by  laughter  and 
well-timed  observations.  They  laughed  at  any- 
thing, as  they  called  on  Ned  for  fresh  supplies  of 
sec .,  and  comported  themselves  generally  as  if 
this  were  the  jolliest  evening  they  had  ever  known. 

In  a word,  they  were  in  the  rosiest  of  humors. 

2 


18 


ME.  AND  ME8.  BEWEE. 


Klaus  was  much  amused.  He  lighted  his  third 
cigar  and  drank  his  fourth  glass  of  champagne. 
He  smiled  good  naturedly,  and  answered  readily 
all  questions  concerning  his  life  in  the  tropics. 
Schneider,  who  grew  merrier  and  more  loquacious 
at  each  glass,  related  with  much  laughter  and 
many  amusing  interruptions  the  whole  story  of 
his  friend’s  life.  And  so  it  happened  that  the 
man  who  had  entered  the  room  a stranger  and 
unknown,  at  seven  o’clock,  and  been  eyed  as- 
kance by  its  inmates,  had  at  nine  o’  clock  scarcely 
a secret  from  them.  They  knew  the  whole  history 
of  his  life. 

Klaus  Bewer  was  the  third  son  of  an  honorable 
senator,  merchant,  and  ship-owner,  Jacob  Bewer, 
of  Liibeck.  He  had  four  brothers  living — in  this 
number  was  included  the  youngest,  Gottlieb,  nick- 
named the  Dwarf — and  one  sister,  Elise,  who  was 
married  to  a clergyman  and  lived  in  Holstein. 

The  two  elder  brothers,  who  had  married  during 
his  long  absence  from  home,  had  succeeded  to  their 
father’s  business.  The  fourth  had  established 
himself  in  San  Francisco,  and  Gottlieb,  who  was 
the  student  of  the  family,  had  recently  been 
appointed  a tutor  in  the  University  of  Greifswald. 

With  his  two  elder  brothers,  quiet,  industrious 
workers,  Klaus  had  never  been  in  sympathy; 
neither  had  his  manner  of  life  appealed  to  them. 
For  Gottlieb,  who,  while  yet  a child,  had  with- 


ME.  AMD  MES.  BEWEE. 


19 


drawn  himself  from  the  family  circle  in  order  to 
pursue  his  studies,  Klaus  had  a feeling  of  mingled 
superiority  and  commiseration;  the  sister,  too, 
had  become  estranged  by  reason  of  her  early 
marriage  and  departure  from  the  home  circle.  So 
that  the  only  warm  relations  which  he  had  were 
with  his  brother  Wilhelm,  who  was  three  years 
his  junior,  and  who  was  the  best-natured  and  most 
thoughtless  of  the  Bewer  sons. 

This  brother  had,  while  yet  very  young,  been 
guilty  of  a grave  offense,  and  old  Herr  Bewer, 
who  was  not  a man  to  be  trifled  with,  and  who  had 
striven  to  mold  his  children’s  characters  by  care- 
ful education  and  severe  moral  training,  wasted 
no  words  on  him.  He  paid  all  his  debts,  and  then 
summoning  him  into  his  august  presence  handed 
him  one  hundred  thalers  in  coin  and  a draft  for 
six  hundred  dollars,  which  sum  would  be  paid  to 
him  in  monthly  installments,  of  fifty  dollars  each, 
by  S.  B.  Sterne  & Sons,  bankers,  of  New  York. 

The  father  parted  from  his  son  on  the  ship  with 
the  words,  “ Wilhelm,  you  can  look  out  for 
yourself  now!  You  will  never  receive  another 
thaler  from  me  as  long  as  I live;  and  if  you  do 
not  do  better  for  the  future,  I will  see  that  you 
have  nothing  over  which  to  rejoice  when  my  will 
is  read!  ” 

Nevertheless  things  went  well  with  Wilhelm  in 
the  hard  school  of  the  new  world.  He  did  not 


20 


MR.  AMD  MRS.  BEWER. 


write  home  for  a long  time;  but  when  he  sent  his 
first  letter  he  was  already  head  of  a branch  estab- 
lishment in  the  West,  to  which  position  he  had 
been  assigned  by  the  New  York  house  with  which 
he  had  connected  himself  immediately  on  his 
arrival  in  America. 

The  only  one  of  the  brothers  who  suffered  from 
this  separation  was  Klaus.  He  had  many  traits 
in  common  with  his  brother  Wilhelm — the  same 
kind-heartedness,  the  same  imprudence. 

The  hours  which  he  passed  in  the  counting- 
room  became  almost  unendurable  after  Wilhelm 
left.  He  could  scarcely  support  the  sight  of  the 
aggressive  and  aspiring  clerk  who  sat  opposite 
him  at  his  brother’s  desk.  He  never  breathed 
freely  until  the  hour  for  closing  struck. 

Then  he  would  hasten  to  his  room  and  make  an 
elegant  toilet,  in  which  to  appear  a little  later,  with 
surprising  regularity,  in  the  same  box  at  the 
theater,  surrounded  by  the  same  set  of  young  men, 
night  after  night.  Young  men  who,  like  himself, 
belonged  to  wealthy  and  influential  families. 
What  the  stage  had  to  offer  was  a matter  of  little 
moment  to  him.  It  had  become  part  of  his  life  to 
spend  his  evenings  at  the  theater. 

As  a regular  attendant,  who  sometimes  gave 
wine  suppers  to  the  actors,  or  sent  flowers  or  other 
trifling  gifts  to  the  actresses,  and  was  always 
liberal  with  cigars,  he  stood  high  in  favor  with 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BE  WEE. 


21 


the  manager.  Then  he  was  a distingue  looking 
young  man,  who,  in  his  turn,  attracted  attention 
to  his  box  as  well  by  his  striking  appearance  as 
by  regular  attendance.  During  the  second  act  he 
was  permitted  to  go  behind  the  scenes,  and  after 
the  play  was  over  he  supped  regularly  with  the 
play-actors  in  their  so-called  artists’  salon. 

He  thoroughly  enjoyed  the  noisy  gayety  of  these 
nightly  meetings,  and  his  weariness  of  the  count- 
ing-room, especially  after  his  brother’ s departure, 
was  more  strongly  emphasized  in  consequence. 
It  was  from  about  this  time  that  his  acquaintance 
with  Leo  Schneider  dated. 

When  the  theatrical  season  closed  and  his  his- 
trionic friends  were  scattered  in  all  directions  by 
the  four  winds  of  heaven,  Klaus  was  overwhelmed 
with  a frightful  feeling  of  loneliness.  He  knew 
not  what  to  do  with  himself  and  his  time.  He 
became  sadly  discontented.  He  grew  each  day 
further  and  further  away  from  his  severe,  taciturn 
father,  who  regarded  his  son’ s purposeless  exist- 
ence with  growing  displeasure;  with  his  broth- 
ers he  had  no  intercourse  whatever.  Wilhelm 
had  gone  and  Gottlieb  was  always  shut  up  in  his 
own  rooms  with  his  books.  There  came  to  him 
one  day  the  determination  to  solve  all  doubts  and 
difficulties  which  beset  his  mind  by  tearing  him- 
self free  from  the  tie  which  bound  him  to  his 
home  and  go  out  into  the  world,  as  his  brother 


22 


MB.  AMD  MBS.  BEWEB. 


had  done  before  him,  to  seek  his  fortune  for 
himself. 

He  had  a long  and  earnest  conversation  with  his 
father,  the  first  in  years. 

He  spoke  with  great  frankness  of  his  recent 
life.  He  spared  himself  no  reproof.  In  conclu- 
sion, he  said,  “I  am  perhaps  ungrateful,  but  I 
dare  not  act  the  hypocrite  before  you;  I am  not 
satisfied  here;  I am  not  happy!  I have  no  interest 
in  the  business,  and  what  I do,  I do  without  pleas- 
ure, merely  because  it  is  forced  upon  me.  Each 
day  I become  more  discontented  and  idle.  Per- 
haps it  is  because  everything  is  too  easy  for  me. 
This  passing  one’s  life  at  a desk — it  doesn’t  do  for 
me,  father.  I long  for  free  air,  and  for  an  active 
life.  I must  get  away!  Here  I’d  sleep  my  life 
away.  Soon  there’ d be  no  vitality  left!  If  we 
were  at  war,  I could  enter  the  army;  but  now  that 
peace  with  Austria  is  assured,  and  the  North  Ger- 
man confederation  has  endured  for  two  years, 
there  is  no  prospect  of  war,  and  for  garrison  life 
I have  no  fancy.  I am  twenty-five  years  old. 
Let  me  go  across  the  ocean  for  five  years — or 
longer,  if  necessary.  I will  work,  and  strive  to 
make  a man  of  myself.  Here  I am  neither  a com- 
fort to  you  nor  a pleasure  to  myself.” 

Old  Jacob  Bewer  admitted  that  his  son  was 
right.  He  furnished  him  liberally  with  all  the 
funds  necessary  for  a long  journey  and  a season 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


23 


of  idleness  at  its  termination,  and  four  weeks 
after  their  conversation  he  pressed  his  boy’s 
hand  silently  as  he  parted  from  him.  The  tears 
stood  in  the  old  man’s  clear  blue  eyes  as  he 
watched  the  train  steam  out  of  the  station,  and  he 
spoke  no  word  that  day  to  any  living  soul. 

Klaus  took  the  direct  route  via  Marseilles  to 
Singapore,  in  which  city  he  remained  but  a short 
time.  He  had  made  the  acquaintance  on  ship- 
board of  a Hollander  who  had  great  possessions 
in  Sumatra,  and  the  latter’s  stories  concerning 
the  hard,  toilsome  life  there  had  great  charms 
for  the  man  who  was  fleeing  from  indolence. 

In  February  of  the  year  1869,  Klaus  settled  in 
Sumatra.  A hard,  toilsome  life  opened  before 
him.  But  that  was  just  what  he  wanted.  He 
received  a certain  sensuous  pleasure  from  the  very 
exhaustion  of  his  laborious,  active  life.  To  be 
weary  even  to  sleep  at  times  was  a new  and  pleas- 
ant sensation.  He  felt  he  was  living  at  last. 

He  directed  the  work  of  the  lowest  menial  in 
his  employ  and  he  himself  worked  for  three.  He 
defied  the  heat  and  the  unpleasantness  of  the 
climate.  He  was  looked  upon  by  the  Europeans 
as  a wonder  and  by  the  natives  as  a being  from  a 
higher  sphere,  whom  they  ventured  to  approach 
only  with  great  humility.  He  made  a study  of 
the  fundamental  principles  upon  which  many  of 
the  peculiar  customs  of  the  country  rested,  and 


24 


ME.  AMD  MBS.  BEWEE. 


was,  in  a comparatively  short  time,  a far-sighted 
and  capable  merchant,  on  whom  all  his  fellows 
looked  with  great  and  ever-increasing  respect. 
His  business  grew  and  prospered  and  by  the  end 
of  his  fifth  year  he  had  amassed  a considerable 
fortune. 

He  was  on  the  eve  of  winding  up  his  business 
in  Sumatra  in  order  to  return  home,  when  he 
received  a short  and  characteristic  letter  from  his 
eldest  brother,  announcing  the  death  of  old  Jacob 
Bewer  after  a short  illness. 

Klans  was  very  deeply  affected  by  this  intelli- 
gence. It  came  home  to  him  now,  for  the  first 
time,  how  much  he  had  loved  the  old  man,  and 
that  it  had  been  nothing  else  than  a strong, 
unspoken  desire  to  see  his  father  again  which  was 
urging  him  to  turn  his  face  homeward  as  soon 
as  might  be. 

Mingled  with  his  grief  was  a bitter  feeling  of 
resentment  against  his  elder  brothers,  who,  in  the 
settlement  of  his  father’s  estate,  had  indeed  taken 
great  advantage  of  the  absence  of  Klaus  and  Wil- 
helm, and  the  inexperience  of  the  scholar  Gott- 
lieb, for  their  own  gain.  While  the  material 
injury  which  had  been  done  him  was  a matter  of 
indifference  to  him,  he  felt  keenly  the  unbrotherly 
behavior  and  the  want  of  heart  as  well.  He 
vouchsafed  his  brother  no  reply.  The  next  mail 
to  Europe  took  with  it  instructions  from  him  to  his 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


25 


legal  adviser  at  Berlin,  Felix  Quintus,  to  protect 
his  interests  and  to  divide  his  share  of  the  inherit- 
ance, in  three  equal  parts,  between  his  sister  in 
Holstein,  Wilhelm  at  San  Francisco,  and  the 
young  scholar  at  (xreifswald. 

With  all  his  strength,  with  an  almost  feverish 
passion,  Klaus  plunged  once  more  into  business, 
and  the  more  he  worked  the  stronger  grew  his 
greed  for  gain.  It  became  the  one  object  of  his 
life  to  amass  a great  fortune.  An  unnatural  joy 
grew  upon  him  as  his  possessions  increased,  and 
if  ever  man  succeeded,  Klaus  Bewer  did.  Wider 
and  yet  wider  grew  the  basis  of  his  undertakings, 
wider  and  still  wider  the  circle  of  his  colossal 
business,  until  his  fortune  was  immense.  In  a 
few  years  he  had  far  outstripped  all  competitors. 
He  was  the  head  of  a house  with  branches  in  all 
the  capitals  of  Europe. 

He  established  a household,  the  pomp  and  mag- 
nificence of  which  a prince  might  envy.  He  had 
an  army  of  servants,  stables  filled  with  race  horses 
of  blood  stock,  and  the  best  cook  in  the  East.  The 
natives  called  him  “the  king,”  and  kingly  indeed 
was  his  magnificent  residence  with  all  its  sur- 
roundings, kingly  also  the  hospitality  which  he 
dispensed.  But  in  the  midst  of  all  this  wealth 
and  power  which  his  own  hands  and  brains  had 
created,  the  cry  ever  echoed  in  his  soul,  “If  my 
father  had  but  lived!  The  knowledge  of  what  I 


26 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


am,  of  what  I have  accomplished,  would  have 
rejoiced  the  old  man’ s heart,  and  my  elder  brothers 
would  have  been  compelled,  at  least,  to  witness 
his  happiness.” 

Wow  he  was  rich,  richer  than  he  had  ever  hoped, 
richer  indeed  than  he  even  cared  to  be.  It 
required  but  a proportionally  short  time  for  him 
to  realize  that  his  wealth  brought  him  no  real 
pleasure.  In  his  heart  he  was  always  asking  him- 
self the  fateful  question,  “What  joy  do  my  pos- 
sessions give  me?  and  when  I double  them  or 
treble  them,  as  I may  do,  will  they  make  me  any 
lighter  hearted?  will  they  not  add  a pang  to  my 
present  restless  pain?  ” 

He,  whom  they  called  king,  found  his  jeweled 
crown  weighed  as  heavily  as  though  it  had  come 
to  him  by  divine  right. 

He  had  lived  among  strangers  in  a strange 
land  for  ten  years;  he  was  thirty-five  years  of  age; 
he  had  accumulated  great  treasure;  but  he  was 
alone.  A melancholy  longing  took  possession  of 
him — a longing  for  the  old  associations  of  home, 
for  the  Lubeck  beer  gardens,  for  renewed  inter- 
course with  the  actors  and  actresses  of  long  ago; 
a longing  for  a hearty  German  laugh,  for  German 
sounds,  for  German  music.  He  was  a passionate 
lover  of  music.  He  had  no  specially  refined  taste, 
no  musical  education  whatever,  but  the  VolTcs- 
lieder  of  his  native  land  and  its  waltzes  stirred 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


27 


him  to  his  very  soul.  What  would  he  not  give 
at  this  very  moment  to  hear  a waltz  from  Johann 
Strauss  or  a sentimental  song!  And  he  sighed 
deeply  as  he  murmured,  “Oh,  if  it  were  but 
possible!” 

It  was  a clear  bright  day,  the  first  Sunday  in 
May,  and  the  spacious  room  in  which  the  mer- 
chant sat  was  shaded  by  many  draperies  and 
Venetian  blinds  to  exclude  the  sun’s  piercing 
rays.  In  his  mind’s  eye  he  could  see  his  towns- 
people, at  this  very  hour,  with  their  wives  and 
children  streaming  forth  from  the  old  city  gate  to 
the  great  beer  garden  to  listen  to  the  military 
band  playing  the  latest  potpourris  or  the  catch 
songs  from  the  newest  operas.  There  they  were, 
all  clad  in  their  Sunday  best,  sauntering  through 
the  walks  in  twos  and  threes,  or  chattering  and 
laughing  together  as  they  kept  time  to  the  music 
with  the  clink,  of  their  glasses.  Ah!  these  peo- 
ple did  not  realize  what  a pleasant  life  they  led, 
while  he,  the  princely  merchant,  must  sit  alone 
and  disconsolate  in  semi-darkness,  in  order  to 
protect  himself  from  the  blinding,  scorching  rays 
of  a tropical  sun.  There  was  no  dance  music  for 
him!  The  meanest  tradesman  clutching  his  en- 
trance fee  to  the  garden  was  happier  than  he  who 
could  pay  for  fifty  bands.  The  artisan  got  some- 
thing out  of  his  life;  he  could  enjoy  his  holiday, 
could  meet  his  friends,  could  go  home,  and,  above 


28 


ME.  AND  MKS.  BEWEK. 


all,  could  hear  the  sound  of  his  beloved  German 
tongue  and  reply  in  the  same  language. 

He  started  up  with  an  exclamation.  He  would 
see  his  own  people  again;  he  would  turn  his  back 
forever  on  these  'piebald  Asiatics.  What  could 
he  gain  by  longer  residence  in  this  cursed  place? 

He  could  fulfill  every  desire,  even  though  he 
were  ten  times  more  extravagant  then  he  really 
was.  Forthe  last  ten  years  the  word  “Fatherland” 
had  been  no  more  than  an  empty  sound  in  his 
ears;  now  the  thought  of  his  forsaken  country 
sent  the  blood  rushing  to  his  heart.  He  was  tired, 
tired  to  death  of  his  present  life,  tired  of  the  rab- 
ble with  whom  he  associated,  tired  of  the  peddler’s 
French  which  was  everlastingly  sounding  in  his 
ears. 

On  the  next  morning,  Klaus  surprised  his  head 
manager  with  the  announcement  that  pressing 
business  called  him  at  once  to  Europe,  and  that  he 
wished  to  dissolve  all  business  ties  in  Sumatra, 
no  matter  at  what  sacrifice,  at  the  earliest  possible 
moment. 

He  intrusted  the  weary  work  of  liquidation  to 
his  conscientious  and  energetic  clerk  and  the  next 
steamer  which  left  the  island  carried  with  it 
Sumatra’s  German  “King.” 

Klaus  made  no  unnecessary  delay  on  his  home- 
ward journey,  and  in  the  last  days  of  July  he 
landed  on  the  pier  at  Marseilles.  Paris  detained 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


29 


him  but  three  days,  and  on  August  1st  he  set 
foot  in  Berlin.  At  Stendal,  a Berlin  paper  had 
been  thrown  into  the  coupe;  in  glancing  through 
it,  Klaus  read  the  announcement  of  a theatrical 
performance  which  was  soon  to  be  given  for  the 
benefit  of  the  family  of  some  deceased  actor,  and 
to  his  great  joy  found  that  Leo  Schneider,  director 
of  the  Court  Theater,  had  the  whole  matter  in 
charge. 

Surely  this  was  his  old  friend,  Leo  Schneider — 
in  his  day  the  pride  of  the  Liibeck  Theater! 
Klaus  laughed.  He  remembered  suddenly  that 
Leo  owed  him  five  thalers,  which  he  had  lent  him 
at  the  railway  station,  a subvention  which  was 
made  necessary  because  Leo  had  imagined  the 
agent  had  paid  for  his  excess  of  luggage,  and  not 
until  the  last  moment  did  he  discover  his  error. 

The  memory  of  this  trifling  occurrence  seemed 
to  bridge  over,  at  one  stroke,  the  wide  chasm 
between  that  far  away  past  and  the  reality  of  the 
present.  Klaus  felt  suddenly  as  if  he  were  a 
German  on  German  soil  once  more.  He  had  no 
difficulty  in  obtaining  Schneider’s  address  from 
the  porter  of  the  hotel,  and  as  soon  as  he  had 
refreshed  himself  and  made  some  changes  in  his 
attire  he  started  forth  from  the  Kaiserhof  in 
search  of  his  friend. 

He  found  Schneider,  in  light  and  careless  attire, 
stretched  out  at  full  length  on  a couch,  studying 


30 


ME.  AMD  MBS.  BEWEE. 


after  a dilettante  fashion  the  role  in  which  he  was 
to  appear  on  the  next  night  bnt  one  at  the  benefit. 
The  greeting  on  either  side  had  been  hearty  and 
noisy.  Leo  had  found,  as  he  had  related  to  the 
company  around  the  Stammtisch,  his  friend  alto- 
gether unchanged,  with  the  single  exception  that 
Klaus  seemed  friendlier  than  before.  Klaus 
laughed  long  arid  loud  from  very  contentment, 
and  thought  involuntarily  of  the  five  thalers  and 
of  Leo’s  painful  surprise  when  he  was  in- 
formed no  payment  had  been  made  for  his 
luggage. 

So  the  wanderer  had  come  home  to  begin  life 
again.  Had  he  come  to  enjoy  himself?  to  be 
amused?  Well,  he  had  come  to  the  right  place, 
and  Leo  would  be  his  Mentor.  Berlin  was  no 
longer  the  weary  hole  of  former  times,  with  its 
gloomy  interiors,  high  houses,  and  endless  lengths 
of  dirty  streets.  Now  it  was  a great  city,  with 
the  life  of  a little  world  ebbing  and  flowing  within 
its  boundaries.  Here  he  would  find  an  environ- 
ment of  luxury  which  encircled  everything!  The 
houses,  the  entertainments,  the  toilets  were  not 
one  whit  behind  those  of  Paris  and  London;  the 
dinners  which  were  given  by  the  great  commer- 
cial magnates  had  nothing  to  fear  from  compari- 
son with  those  given  by  the  Parisian  millionaires; 
and  what  more  need  be  said!  But  why  ramble 
on;  Klaus  would  see  it  all  for  himself!  He  could 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


31 


form  no  idea  of  the  noise  and  hubbub  going  on  in 
certain  quarters  all  night  long.  The  boulevards 
of  Paris  could  show  nothing  finer.  Added  to 
that,  the  city  was  a wonder  of  cleanliness  and 
health  and  beauty  now.  The  asphalt  pavements, 
the  canalization,  the  zoological  garden,  the  park, 
the  surface  cars,  the  Vienna  cafes!  He  would 
not  say  too  much,  but  Klaus  would  be  astonished! 
In  order  to  properly  kill  the  fatted  calf  for  the 
return  of  this  prodigal  son,  he  would  arrange  at 
once  a pleasant  party  for  that  very  evening. 

They  would  meet  at  Hiller’s  or  Dressel’s,  and 
after  their  supper  have  a drive  in  the  park  for  an 
hour,  if  so  disposed.  At  any  rate,  Klaus  was  to 
be  at  Dressel’s  at  seven  sharp. 

The  carrying  out  of  this  program,  was,  as 
we  have  seen,  foiled  by  the  absence  of  Schneider’s 
friends  from  town,  but  as  Klaus  sat  at  the  table 
sipping  his  champagne  and  laughing  at  his 
friend’s  witty  sallies  he  felt  no  lack  in  the  even- 
ing’s entertainment. 

The  conversation  took  a quieter  turn  after  nine 
o’clock,  when,  one  after  another,  the  men  rose,  and, 
excusing  themselves,  departed.  Leo  had  hopes  of 
keeping  them  together  for  the  whole  evening,  but 
it  required  a greater  influence  than  he  exercised 
to  counterbalance  the  attractions  of  a great  city. 

“Good  Heavens!”  he  cried,  starting  up,  “we 
can  not  spend  our  whole  evening  here,  drinking 


32 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


sec  and  telling  stories!  We  must  do  something! 
Ned,  give  me  the  amusement  sheet.” 

“How  about  the  Walhalla?”  asked  Klaus. 
“I  looked  over  the  list  of  amusements  while  I 
was  waiting  for  you,  and  their  program  prom- 
ises much — acrobats,  velocipede  riding,  ventrilo- 
quists, and  ballad  singers.” 

“The  Walhalla!  That’ll  do.  Why  didn’t  I 
think  of  that  before?  Great  exhibitions  of  high 
art,  fine  specimens,  the  only  really  choice  place 
in  the  city — as  well  there  as  anywhere!  ” 

. He  looked  at  his  watch.  “Quarter  past  nine, 
we’re  just  in  time.  Ned,  call  a fast  stepper — 
first-class.  Move  lively  now!  Come!” 


CHAPTER  II. 


Klaus  was  by  no  means  so  blase  as  might  have 
been  expected  from  so  old  a traveler.  He  enjoyed 
the  neck-breaking  performances  of  the  acrobats, 
and  the  sprawling  and  straining  of  the  india-rub- 
ber men,  with  all  the  naive  astonishment  of  the 
provincial. 

The  artists  on  the  stage  interested  him  much 
more  than  the  people  in  the  boxes  to  whom 
Schneider  was  constantly  directing  his  attention. 

“Look  at  that  thin  young  man  opposite  us! 
That  one  with  the  little  felt  hat  and  the  gray 
coat!  More  to  the  right — just  opposite  us!  That 
one,  the  dark  one,  I mean!  He’s  Prince  Demeter 
Strusa — a Roumanian,  in  our  dragoons.  He’s  a 
wonderful  rider  and  the  swell  of  his  regiment. 
At  present  he’s  the  adored  or  adorer,  just  as  you 
please,  of  that  little  actress  just  coming  on— -at 
least  so  I have  been  told!  I don’t  know  her  my- 
self, but  that’s  no  matter,  I can  introduce  her 
just  the  same  if  she  strike  your  fancy.” 

“Who — who  is  she?”  asked  Klaus  suddenly, 
picking  up  his  program,  which  he  had  not  con- 
sulted until  now. 
s 


(33) 


34 


MR.  AMD  MRS.  BEWEE. 


A beautiful  girl  liad  just  come  down  the  stage. 
Her  toilet  was  extravagant  and  bewildering  in 
the  extreme.  Unlike  that  of  which  any  fashion, 
any  country,  any  season,  any  epoch,  had  ever 
seen  or  heard.  The  young  singer  wore  a short, 
a very  short,  petticoat  of  pale  blue  satin,  the  skirt 
was  cut  in  very  deep  slashes  and  showed  her  su- 
perb figure  at  greater  advantage  than  was  perhaps 
in  accordance  with  extreme  modesty.  The  bodice 
was  trimmed  and  laced  with  blue  and  silver  hussar 
cord,  and  edged  around  with  swan’  s-down. 

A bouquet  of  roses  of  unusual  size  was  pinned 
upon  her  left  breast.  Her  small  and  shapely  feet 
were  incased  in  boots,  of  the  same  shade  and  mate- 
rial as  the  gown,  with  high  red  heels.  She  wore  a 
coquettish  cap,  quaint  in  design  and  made  of 
scarlet  velvet,  and  she  carried  a fan  of  dark  blue 
feathers.  The  whole  costume  was  as  outre  and 
outlandish  as  possible,  and  yet,  notwithstanding 
this,  the  girl  was  as  lovely  as  a dream.  She  had 
an  interesting  face;  her  eyes  were  deep  fathom- 
less brown,  and  her  luxuriant  hair  a brown-black, 
while  her  eyebrows  were  strongly  marked,  and 
her  mouth  beautifully  curved,  with  full,  fresh, 
pouting  lips.  Evidently  she  made  slight  use  of 
pigments.  Her  face  had  the  same  camellia-like 
color  as  her  bosom  and  neck  and  her  finely 
molded  arms.  Her  figure  was  graceful  and  sup- 
ple. Her  carriage  had  a security  and  assurance 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


35 


which  almost  amounted  to  defiance.  Notwith- 
standing her  many  attractions,  one  had  but  to 
look  at  the  program  to  see  that  “ Kathi 
Schone — Austrian  and  Hungarian  songs,”  was 
not  one  of  the  stars  at  the  Walhalla — her  name  was 
printed  in  modest  letters  far  down  the  list. 

“Who  is  it?”  repeated  Leo.  “I  don’t  know 
her  name.  She’s  one  of  the  soubrettes.  Kathi 
Schone!”  he  added,  referring  to  the  program. 
“I  am  not  acquainted  with  her,  as  I said  before.” 

“A  charming  girl,”  said  Klaus. 

“Yes,  she’s  a stunner!  ” said  Leo. 

While  the  orchestra  was  playing  the  prelude  to 
a musical  Viennese  street  song,  Kathi  stood  com- 
posedly in  the  center  of  the  stage  near  the  promp- 
ter’s box,  and  fanned  herself,  while  she  cast 
inquiring  glances  over  the  vast  audience.  She 
smiled  several  times,  whether  to  show  her  teeth, 
or  as  a greeting  to  acquaintances,  it  was  hard  to 
tell.  When  her  eyes  rested  on  the  Roumanian 
prince,  however,  she  did  not  smile,  but  closed  her 
eyes  a second  as  if  in  silent  greeting. 

Klaus  noted  it  all,  and  that  dumb  show  of  a 
secret  understanding  vexed  him,  he  hardly  knew 
why.  He  waited  in  vain  to  have  her  look  toward 
him. 

He  moved  uneasily  in  his  chair,  and  finally 
leaned  forward  over  the  box,  resting  his  face  on 
his  hands,  while  through  his  half-parted  lips  he 
drew  long,  deep  breaths. 


36 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


She  sang  a gay  Austrian  song.  Klaus  only 
understood  a word  now  and  then,  but  from  what 
he  could  catch  it  seemed  a glorification  of  the 
waltz,  the  genuine  poesy  of  which  had  the  true 
Viennese  ring.  She  had  an  agreeable  enough 
voice,  though  entirely  uncultivated,  and  sang 
quite  naturally,  without  effort,  but  with  a certain 
roguishness  and  wantonness  which  captivated 
Klaus. 

During  the  first  part  of  her  performance  she 
bore  herself  like  hundreds  of  other  variety  sing- 
ers, keeping  time  to  the  music  with  her  feet,  bow- 
ing graciously  in  season  and  out,  while  she 
wielded  her  fan  with  a coquettish  motion;  but 
when  she  came  to  the  gay  refrain,  new  life  seemed 
to  awake  within  her,  and  a good-natured  drollery 
spoke  in  every  tone  which  came  from  her  throat, 
in  every  glance  from  her  sparkling  eyes,  and 
every  motion  of  her  slender  figure.  All  of  which 
added  piquancy  to  her  beautiful  and  singular 
appearance.  The  whole  burden  of  the  song  was  a 
ringing  promise  of  unspeakable  mirth  and  jollity. 

The  audience  clapped  as  they  had  done  for 
every  other  actress,  but  Klaus  struck  his  broad 
palms  together  with  such  violence  and  continu- 
ance as  to  make  his  neighbors  smile;  and  even 
Kathi,  noticing  the  energetic  demonstrations  of 
the  yellow-haired  giant,  directed  a special  and 
gracious  courtesy  toward  his  box.  Klaus’s  inde- 


MR.  AMD  MRS.  BEWER. 


37 


fatigability,  aided  by  the  applause  of  the  people 
in  the  pit,  was  rewarded  by  the  singer’s  coming 
forward  once  more  and  giving  them  another  song. 
Her  face,  which  had  hitherto  been  all  smiles  and 
sunshine,  suddenly  assumed  a woful,  melancholy 
expression,  and  in  a trembling  pianissimo  she 
began  the  charming  melody  from  Koschat’s 
“Lamentation”: 

Forsaken,  forsaken, 

Forsaken,  am  I. 

Like  a flower  sear  and  withered, 

Deserted  I lie. 

My  true  love  has  broken 
The  oath  which  he  swore; 

And  I am  left  weeping 
With  heart  fraught  and  sore. 

There  was  no  note  of  applause  now.  Some- 
thing in  the  words,  or  in  the  pleading  voice, 
appealed  to  the  hearts  of  the  honest  towns-people, 
who  listened  with  bated  breath. 

Leo  turned  to  whisper  some  careless  word  to 
Klaus,  but  the  latter  made  a hasty  movement  to 
silence  him  as  he  did  so.  Leo  gave  him  a sur- 
prised look,  and  then  resigned  himself  with  a sigh. 

Kathi  began  her  second  verse  now: 

There’s  a tree  in  the  green  wood 
Which  blooms  all  the  year. 

There  he  promised  to  wed  me, 

Ere  the  winter  was  here. 

There,  heartsick  and  lonely, 

I hide  from  the  day. 

And  the  mocking  wind  whistles. 

Forsaken!  for  aye. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWEE. 


Kathi  looked  deeply  unhappy,  and  lier  final 
words  were  almost  a sob. 

But  as  soon  as  the  song  was  ended,  she  assumed 
her  usual  gladsome  expression,  and,  bowing  right 
and  left,  tripped  lightly  off  the  stage. 

And  now  the  audience  applauded  loud  and 
long;  she  was  recalled  once,  twice,  thrice.  She 
bowed  and  smiled  with  a deprecatory  air,  as  if  to 
say,  “All  this  honor  is  quite  undeserved” ; and 
when  the  audience  once  more  recalled  her,  she 
gave  the  orchestra  leader  a glance  as  much  as  to 
say,  “I  am  not  prepared  to  do  anything  more  to- 
night.” Klaus  applauded  still  longer,  but  other 
performers  came  on  and  he  had  to  resign  himself. 

“I’d  have  given  a great  deal  to  hear  her  sing 
that  song  again,”  he  said  to  Leo.  “What  was  it 
like?  Forsaken — like  a flower  sear  and  withered 
— forsaken  I lie  * * * What  a charming  person 
she  is,  this  Fraulein  Schone.  I wonder  if  there 
would  be  any  possibility  of  making  her  acquaint- 
ance? ” 

“ Nothing  easier,”  answered  Leo.  “I’ll  invite 
her  to  supper  with  us  to-night.” 

“But  will  she  accept  such  an  off-hand  invita- 
tion?” 

“Why  not?” 

“It’s  too  off  hand.  Still  it  would  be  a great 
pleasure  to  meet  her.  ” 

Leo  wrote  a few  words  on  his  card,  got  an 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


39 


envelope  from  an  usher,  and  addressed  it  to 
“Fraulein  Kathi  Schone.  In  haste,”  and  sent  it 
around  to  the  dressing-rooms  with  an  order  to 
wait  for  a reply.  The  usher  returned  in  a mo- 
ment with  the  reply.  Klaus  bent  curiously  over 
his  friend’s  shoulder  to  read  the  answer: 

‘ ‘ Uterly  impossible.  Have  made  an  engage- 
ment for  to-night.”  Utterly  was  spelt  with 
one  ‘t.’ 

Klaus  was  greatly  put  out.  A moment  ago  he 
had  rejoiced,  now  his  hopes  amounted  to  nothing. 
There  was  no  reliance  on  these  soubrettes.  They 
were  all  the  same.  He  grumbled  over  his  disap- 
pointment quite  pathetically,  and  was  passing  a 
severe  judgment  on  all  womenkind,  when  Leo 
interrupted  him  with  the  remark: 

“It  is  not  impossible  that  Fraulein  Kathi 
Schone  would  have  sent  a different  answer  had 
she  known  Herr  Klaus  Bewer  of  Sumatra.” 

“That  is  true,”  Klaus  responded,  in  a changed 
tone;  and  after  a slight  pause,  he  added,  “Let’s 
get  out  of  here,  if  you  don’t  object.  This  per- 
formance is  a great  bore.” 

As  the  two  men  stepped  into  the  foyer,  Klaus 
said: 

“I’d  like  to  know  with  whom  the  lady  is  going 
to  sup  to-night.” 

“We  can  ask  her.” 

“ What  do  you  mean?  ” 

Leo  looked  up  in  surprise.  “What  do  I 


40 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


mean?”  lie  repeated.  “I  mean  what  I say,  we 
can  ask  her.” 

‘ ‘ To-morrow?  ’ ’ 

“No,  immediately.  Come  along!  ” 

Leo  took  a little  pride  in  showing  his  friend 
what  he,  as  the  manager  of  the  Court  Theater, 
could  do. 

He  turned  to  the  left  and  went  on,  as  if  sure  of 
his  way,  to  a little  door,  through  which  he  passed 
on  to  a second,  over  which  were  the  words  “No 
Admittance”;  this  he  also  opened  unhesitatingly 
and  with  his  friend  stepped  on  to  the  back  of  the 
stage.  Here  the  heat  was  almost  unbearable, 
and  the  air  was  filled  with  unpleasant  odors  of 
paint,  machinery,  and  gas.  Near  them  stood  a 
family  of  acrobats  waiting  for  their  cue  to  go  on 
the  stage.  One  of  them,  a little  fellow,  scarce 
six  years  old,  was  attired  in  clown’s  dress,  and 
looked  out  upon  the  world  with  his  little  zebra- 
painted  face  peering  from  under  a purple  cap. 
Klaus  patted  him  kindly  on  the  head.  The  child 
looked  up  surprised.  But  in  the  next  second  the 
whole  family  sprang  out  before  the  public  with  a 
loud  howl,  and  were  greeted  with  vociferous 
applause.  Leo  was  recognized  at  once  by  the 
manager,  Herr  Fechter,  who  greeted  him  with  a 
certain  respectful  familiarity,  after  which  he  lead 
the  way  for  his  colleague  of  the  Court  Theater  up 
a dozen  neckbreaking  steps  to  the  dressing-room. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


41 


The  prima  donna  of  the  Walhalla,  who  shared 
her  dressing-room  with  Kathi  Schone,  had  already 
gone,  and  the  soubrette  was  alone. 

“Fraulein  Schone,”  called  Fechter,  as  he 
knocked  on  the  door,  “will  yon  soon  be 
ready?” 

“Immediately,”  answered  a voice  from  within. 
‘ ‘ What’ s wanted?  ’ ’ 

Klaus  experienced  a curious  sensation  as  he 
heard  that  full-toned,  rich  voice  again. 

“A  gentleman,  one  of  my  colleagues,  wishes 
a word  with  you.” 

The  three  men  waited  a short  time  at  the  door. 
Leo  inquired  politely  concerning  the  receipts,  and 
Fechter  answered,  with  pride,  that  of  late— since 
he  had  charge  of  the  theater,  and  reduced 
everything  to  system  and  discipline — the  pros- 
perity of  the  Walhalla  had  been  almost  phenom- 
enal. He  went  on  to  say,  casually,  as  if  it  were 
apparent  to  the  merest  observer  that  this  was  not 
the  right  place  for  him — however,  he  had  just 
entered  into  negotiations  with  the  owner  of  a very 
prominent  theater,  which  would  probably  end  in 
his  becoming  its  manager,  and  there  he  would 
have  a chance  to  display  his  talents,  and,  he 
might  say,  his  knowledge  of  really  classical  work. 
Klaus  did  not  hear  a syllable  of  this  conversation; 
all  he  heard  was  the  light,  quick  step  in  the 
dressing-room.  The  bolt  was  drawn  back,  the 


42 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


door-knob  turned  with  a click  and  Kathi  stood 
before  them.  She  looked  even  lovelier  now  in 
her  simple  burgher’s  dress  than  when  on  the  stage. 
The  dark  summer  gown,  made  sailor  fashion, 
with  its  fantastic  white  braidings,  was  especially 
becoming. 

She  had  carefully  removed  all  false  coloring 
from  her  face,  and  her  wonderful  complexion 
showed  itself  in  all  its  glory. 

“ I thought  that  it  was  you,”  she  said  to  Klaus. 
“Heavens!  you  know  how  to  applaud.  I must 
certainly  have  you  at  my  benefit.  Do  you  gen- 
tlemen care  to  walk  in?”  she  added,  seating 
herself. 

Kathi  spoke  the  pure  Viennese  dialect.  Klaus 
had  difficulty  in  understanding  what  she  said; 
but  her  natural  manner,  her  clear,  bell-like  tones, 
were  all  so  harmonious  with  her  simple,  girlish 
appearance  that  he  was  bewitched.  He  smiled 
from  very  content  and  happiness.  He  thought 
nothing  of  the  disorder  and  discomfort  of  the  lit- 
tle room,  into  which  he  had  stepped  with  the 
others;  he  forgot  the  heat,  which  had  driven  thick 
drops  of  perspiration  out  on  his  face,  and  the 
immense  flaming  gas  jets  seemed  to  bring  to  light 
hitherto  undreamed-of  pleasures. 

“Do  you  know,  my  dear  child,”  began  Leo, 
with  an  easy  familiarity,  which  grated  on  his 
friend’ s ear,  ‘ ‘ that  your  answer  has  left  us  utterly 
disconsolate?  ” 


ME.  AND  MES.  BBVEE. 


43 


“ I was  just  as  sorry  myself,”  answered  Kathi, 
“but  it  is  one  of  the  things  which  can’t  be  helped. 
Levini  has  already  set  off  with  Baron  von  Albers- 
dorff  (Levini  was  the  prima  donna,  who  was 
known  among  her  friends  as  Levi),  and  Prince 
Strusa  is  waiting  for  me  at  this  very  moment. 
We  are  going  to  drive  to  the  Flora;  they  have  an 
Italian  feast  there  to-night.  I’m  bound  for  this 
evening,  but  I’ll  keep  myself  free  for  to-morrow.” 

“ Set  yourself  free  for  to-night,  too,”  said 
Klaus,  with  comical  persistency.  “Don’t  go 
with  them.  Let  your  friend  go  to  the  feast  with 
the  baron.  We’ll  go  off  and  have  a pleasant  lit- 
tle party  of  our  own.  My  dear  Fraulein,  grant 
my  request,  I beseech  you.  I just  arrived  from 
Sumatra  this  afternoon,  and  start  to-morrow,  by 
the  first  train,  on  my  return  trip.  I have  no 
time  to  lose,  and  your  Roumanian  prince  can  wait. 
We’ll  sup  together  to-night  at  any  place  you 
choose,  and  amuse  ourselves  laughing  at  the 
others  who  are  waiting  for  you  at  the  Flora. 
Come — ” 

“ It  would  be  a good  joke,”  said  Kathi,  with  a 
comical  expression,  feeling  that  she  might  as  well 
do  it.  She  liked  the  idea  of  leaving  the  others  in 
the  lurch. 

“You  must  come!”  repeated  Klaus  impres- 
sively. 

Leo  skillfully  seconded  his  friend’s  appeal,  and 


44 


ME.  AND  MKS.  BEWEE. 


as  the  manager  also  advised  her  to  throw  over 
her  friends  for  this  one  occasion,  she  finally  con- 
cluded to  follow  his  advice.  It  would  shake  the 
prince’s  belief  in  his  own  irresistibility,  she  said, 
good-naturedly,  as  she  snapped  her  fingers  in  the 
air. 

“I’ll  do  it!  I’ll  come  with  you!  It’ll  be  a 
great  lark!  ” 

She  lifted  some  articles  of  apparel  which  lay 
on  a chair,  and,  tossing  them  on  the  dusty  floor, 
sat  down  at  the  toilet  table,  pushing  brushes  and 
paints  aside  to  make  room  for  a sheet  of  paper, 
on  which  she  quickly  and  carelessly  wrote: 

Youe  Highness:  I can  not  go.  My  aunt  will 
not  allow  me.  Always  yours. 

K.  S. 

“Please  send  this  to  the  prince’s  box  in  ten 
minutes,  Herr  Fechter,”  she  said,  laughing,  as 
she  handed  the  note  to  the  manager.  She  puffed 
a little  rice  powder  on  her  neck,  set  her  hat  firmly 
on  her  head,  and  put  her  arm  gently  within  that 
of  the  giant’s,  who,  at  that  moment,  felt  happier 
than  he  had  perhaps  ever  felt  before  in  his  whole 
life. 

“ Now,  let’s  be  quick!  ” cried  Kathi. 

The  manager  bowed  a farewell  to  the  pair  and 
Leo  reached  out  his  hand  to  him,  and  then  fol- 
lowed the  others,  who  were  descending  the  steep 
stairs.  Kathi  went  to  one  of  the  wings  and 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEK. 


45 


peered  out  to  assure  herself  that  Prince  Strusa 
had  not  yet  left  his  box.  Then,  while  the  audi- 
ence were  recalling  the  acrobats  with  loud  and 
prolonged  applause,  the  three  left  the  theater 
stealthily,  through  a dark,  narrow  exit.  Klaus 
bashfully  pressed  the  little  arm  which  lay  so 
lightly  on  his  own,  and  thought  what  a charming, 
good-natured  creature  she  was.  Kathi  took  no 
notice  of  this  slight  attention,  or,  if  she  did,  made 
no  sign. 

The  evening  air  was  clear  and  fresh,  almost 
cold  in  contrast  with  the  suffocating  atmosphere 
of  the  theater.  It  made  Kathi  shiver  for  a 
moment  as  she  encountered  it,  and  instinctively 
she  drew  closer  to  the  broad-shouldered  man  at 
her  side.  Klaus  again  pressed  the  little  arm. 

“That’ll  do!”  said  Kathi  now,  quite  amiably, 
without  any  affectation,  as  she  tapped  her  escort’s 
arm  playfully  with  her  fan.  “Now,  where  shall 
we  go?”  she  asked,  in  the  same  breath. 

“Wherever  you  decide!”  answered  Klaus. 
“ I am  here  to  obey  your  behests.” 

‘ ‘ Let’ s go  to  Thiel’ s on  the  Charlotteburg  road!’  ’ 
suggested  Leo. 

“That’ll  suit  me,”  echoed  the  singer. 

“To  Thiel’s  on  the  Charlotteburg  road,” 
repeated  Klaus  to  the  driver. 

During  their  drive  over  the  streets  of  the  city 
and  through  the  sand  of  the  pike  road  there  was 


46 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


little  talk.  Klaus  never  took  liis  eyes  off  the 
lovely  maiden,  who  sat  back  comfortably  in  her 
corner  pressing  her  feet  carelessly  against  the 
opposite  seat. 

He  waited  expectantly  for  one  gaslight  after 
another,  and  rejoiced  when  the  bright  light  fell 
on  her  pretty  face,  or  even  on  the  tips  of  her 
small,  half-hidden  shoes. 

The  carriage  halted  before  a large  gate,  and 
they  alighted  and  went  in,  threading  their  way 
between  the  beer  tables  at  which  the  groups  of 
towns-people  were  chatting  as  they  sipped,  on 
up  to  the  house,  where  an  obsequious  waiter  led 
them  at  once  into  a little  comfortable  room  on  the 
first  floor,  in  which  a table  was  laid  for  four. 
Klaus  attempted  to  assist  Kathi  in  removing  her 
hat,  and  watched  her  intently  while  she  arranged 
her  hair  before  the  little  mirror. 

The  waiter  gave  a rapid  resume  of  a very  elabo- 
rate menu,  which,  with  slight  variations,  was 
ordered  en  bloc , and  then  disappeared . 

Leo  opened  the  time-honored  piano  which  had 
done  duty  for  so  many  years  and  suffered  so  much 
that  there  was  a tone  of  appeal  in  its  discordant 
notes.  He  played  a harmonious  little  gavotte  by 
Louis  XIII.,  and  played  it  well,  too,  but  his  pur- 
pose was  not  to  exhibit  his  musical  skill,  but 
rather  to  give  the  couple  at  table  an  undisturbed 
opportunity  for  conversation. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWEE, 


47 


Their  conversation  was  not  exciting,  however. 
Klaus  sat  with  folded  arms,  resting  his  elbows  on 
the  table,  while  he  drank  in  the  beauty  of  the 
little  woman  opposite,  who  still  fussed  over  her 
toilet,  and  seemed  to  have  nothing  to  say.  He 
desired  nothing  more,  and  was  quite  contented  to 
sit  and  gaze;  but  then,  conversation  was  not 
Klaus’s  strong  point  at  any  time.  All  at  once  he 
stretched  out  his  two  broad  palms  and  looked  at 
her  with  a warm,  earnest  smile. 

Kathi  responded  to  the  silent  summons  without 
any  mincing,  and  placed  her  hands  unhesitatingly 
in  his. 

The  giant  closed  his  fingers  upon  them  and 
held  them  fast;  then,  when  he  made  a motion  to 
rise  and  bend  over  her,  Kathi  drew  them  back 
from  his  strong  grasp,  but  kept  time  with  her 
fingers,  to  Leo’s  music,  on  the  back  of  his  broad 
hand.  She  played,  also,  with  the  great  diamond 
which  he  wore  on  the  little  finger  of  his  left  hand, 
and  seemed  delighted  with  its  sparkle  and  brill- 
iancy. Then  when  Klaus  drew  it  off  his  finger 
and  placed  it  on  hers,  they  both  laughed  at  the 
size  of  the  ring  and  the  smallness  of  the  finger. 
Kathi  pulled  it  off  at  once  and  handed  it  back. 
Klaus  shook  his  head. 

“Keep  it,”  he  said  softly,  “just  as  a remem- 
brance! That  you  may  sometimes  think  of  me.  I 
am  so  anxious  to  have  you  accept  it.  Please  keep 
it!” 


48 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


Kathi  was  for  the  moment  really  embarrassed. 
She  looked  at  the  ring,  and  had  enough  experience 
to  know  that  it  was  a very  costly  gift  he  was  offer- 
ing her.  She  glanced  np  at  the  man.  His  eyes 
had  an  expression  of  quiet  truth  and  honest 
pleading. 

“Ah,  but  it  would  never  do!  ” she  said  softly, 
but  not  quite  heartily. 

“I  beg  you  to  take  it,”  he  entreated  tenderly. 
“You  cannot  know  how  happy  it  would  make 
me.” 

Kathi  felt  that  it  was  necessary  to  raise  some 
further  objection. 

“But  I really  dare  not  accept  so  expensive  a 
gift  from  you.  We  don’t  know  one  another  at 
all.” 

“ True  enough,  we  don’t  know  one  another;  but 
you  please  me,  Fraulein  Kathi,  and  I want  to  give 
you  something.  Do  not  raise  any  objection 
to  such  a trifle.  You  gave  me  great  pleasure  by 
accepting  my  invitation  to-night;  now  grant  me 
the  further  joy  of  showing  my  appreciation.” 

“Well,  if  you  really  insist  and  are  sure  you 
won’t  regret  it.  I thank  you  heartily.  The  stone 
is  wonderful!  I am  delighted  to  own  such  a 
one!  I never  dreamed  of  such  a charming  sur- 
prise to-night!  It  is  really  magnificent.” 

She  stepped  over  to  the  mirror  and  fastened  it 
on  the  dark-blue  sailor  cravat  at  her  throat,  where 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


49 


the  great  stone  seemed  to  glisten  and  sparkle  with 
more  fire  than  ever. 

“ Are  you  really  going  away  to-morrow?”  she 
asked,  as  she  again  took  her  seat  and  pulled  down 
her  cravat,  setting  her  chin  in  her  neck,  that  she 
might  watch  the  scintillations  of  her  new  posses- 
sion. 

“That  will  depend  upon  you.” 

“ Upon  me?” 

“ Entirely  upon  you.  I am  coming  home  from 
a foreign  land,  but  for  all  that  I have  no  home, 
I have  no  definite  plans;  consequently,  I can 
travel  or  moor  my  bark  at  pleasure.  Berlin  would 
satisfy  me  if  I could  count  upon  your  society.  If 
you  decide  against  me,  I go  to-morrow.” 

‘ ‘ How  can  you  speak  so?  You  are  jesting  with 
me.” 

“Most  positively  not.  How  can  I make  it  clear 
to  you  without  making  myself  ridiculous?  I am 
awkward  and  crude  in  my  expressions,  and  cer- 
tain modes  of  speech  are  beyond  me.  But  you 
surely  can  understand  me,  if  you  only  will.  You 
please  me!  It  is  a joy  for  me  to  sit  and  look  at 
you,  and  I dare  not  think  of  the  time  when  I shall 
be  alone  again.  Need  I say  more?  ” 

The  waiter  entered  at  this  moment  with  the 
supper,  thus  saving  Kathi  any  reply,  and  Leo,  who 
had  just  played  the  gavotte  for  the  fifth  time, 
rose  from  the  piano  with  a sigh  of  relief. 

4 


60 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


“At  last!  ” lie  cried.  “The  Lord  be  thanked! 
Now,  I’ll  give  you  an  example  of  what  a good 
appetite  means,”  and  seating  himself,  he  shook 
out  his  napkin. 

He  kept  his  word,  too.  He  helped  himself  to  a 
liberal  portion  of  every  dish  and  ate  heartily,  but 
Kathi  ate  little,  and  Klaus  nothing  at  all.  Before 
the  meal  was  half  over,  Leo  observed  the  transfer 
of  the  diamond  from  his  friend’s  finger  to  Kathi’ s 
throat,  and,  as  he  put  a fresh  morsel  on  his  fork,  he 
gave  a significant  wink  and  said,  “Have  a care!  ” 
He  had  the  talk  all  to  himself.  He  chatted  and 
joked  and  told  stories  without  number,  while  he 
ate  his  meal  with  evident  relish  and  emptied  one 
glass  after  another. 

Kathi  was  speechless  through  embarrassment 
and  confusion.  She  did  not  know  what  to  make 
of  the  great  sunburned  man  opposite,  who  spoke 
to  her  in  such  an  unwonted  tone.  A tone  of  so 
much  respect  and  so  much  earnestness;  so  differ- 
ent, for  example,  from  the  Roumanian  prince, 
who,  true  enough,  never  attempted  any  liberties 
with  her,  but  who  talked  with  her  in  a free  and 
easy  manner,  and  who  never  had  anything  to  say 
which  was  worth  a moment’s  reflection.  It  sud- 
denly occurred  to  her  that  she  had  never  given  the 
prince  any  serious  thought,  either  while  he  was 
chatting  to  her  or  after  he  had  left  her.  Now  the 
consciousness  came  to  her  that  she  was  racking 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BE  WEE. 


51 


her  brains  about  this  foreigner,  as  she  considered 
him.  He  was  a riddle,  and  his  honest,  direct 
manner,  his  hearty  admiration  of  herself,  troubled 
the  shallow  waters  of  her  soul.  How  suddenly  it 
had  all  come  about!  Such  a frame  of  mind  as 
she  was  now  in  was  very  unusual,  too — a mixture 
of  uncomfortable  curiosity  and  pleasant  astonish- 
ment. She  was  beginning  to  suspect  that  she  was 
not  quite  so  foolish,  after  all,  as  she  had  thought 
herself  until  now! 

There  were,  perhaps,  depths  within  her  which 
had  not  been  sounded,  and  which,  to  this  hour, 
no  one  had  sought  to  fathom. 

How  did  it  happen  that  this  strange  man  should 
come  into  her  life,  now,  to-night,  to  touch  the 
unknown  strings? 

She  gave  Klaus  a long  and  searching  look. 
Now,  for  the  first  time,  she  was  pleased  with  his 
handsome,  manly  appearance;  she  felt  a sudden 
pride  in  the  tall,  broad-shouldered  fellow,  to 
whom  the  little  woman  opposite  seemed  so  demure 
and  defenseless  a creature,  and,  touching  her 
glass  abruptly  against  his,  she  said,  as  she  raised 
it  to  her  lips,  “You  shall  stay  with  us!  ” 

“I  will  remain  if  you  wish  it,”  said  Klaus, 
looking  searchingly  into  her  eyes,  and  then  he 
emptied  his  glass  without  a word. 

The  Court  Theater  manager  was  a discreet  man, 
and  after  he  had  appeased  his  appetite  he  rose 


52 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


quietly  and  turned  his  attention  once  more  to 
music.  This  time  it  was  “The  Beautiful  Blue 
Danube”  with  which  he  chose  to  express  his  con- 
tentment with  life. 

Klaus  seated  himself  on  a sofa  near  Kathi  and 
took  her  hand. 

“I  will  stay,”  he  repeated,  “as  long  as  you 
wish.  I do  not  wish  to  seem  pathetic,”  he  con- 
tinued, in  a low  tone,  “but I must  tell  you  that  I 
have  not  been  so  happy  and  light-hearted  for 
years  as  I am  to-night  by  your  side.  It  is  true  we 
do  not  know  one  another,  but  what  does  that 
signify?  I need  know  nothing  more  of  you  than 
I already  do.  I have  longed  for  something  un- 
known, and  now  I have  found  it.  That  is  all  that 
I feel  now,  and  that  is  all  I can  say  to  you. 
It  has  all  come  upon  me  at  one  stroke — but  how,  I 
can  not  tell.  Is  it  your  glance,  your  form?  is  it 
the  bewitching  tones  of  your  voice,  or  is  it,  per- 
haps, the  wonderful  charm  of  your  dialect?  I 
ask  myself  in  vain,  and  can  find  no  answer. 
I only  know  that  you  make  me  happy  by  your 
very  presence,  and  that  I dread  the  day  in  which 
I must  part  from  you.” 

Kathi  listened  with  growing  pleasure,  but  she 
could  think  of  nothing  else  to  say  than  the  words, 
“How  remarkable? ” 

She  withdrew  her  hand  slowly  from  his,  rose, 
and  went  to  Leo,  who  was  giving  the  keys  a few 


ME.  AND  ME8.  BEWEB. 


53 


unmerciful  blows.  She  gave  him  a tap  on  the 
shoulder  and  suggested  that  she  take  his  place. 

Kathi  was  no  finished  performer,  but  she  played 
with  taste,  and  without  waiting  to  be  solicited. 
She  sang  one  Austrian  song  after  another.  Klaus 
was  enchanted.  He  thought  of  that  hot  Sunday 
in  Sumatra  when  he  had  sat  in  the  darkened 
room,  revolving  in  his  mind  a return  to  his  native 
land,  and  now  here  he  was,  blessed  beyond  all  his 
deserts.  And  when  Kathi  concluded  with  the 
melancholy  madrigal  of  the  forsaken  maiden,  the 
tears  were  welling  up  in  his  eyes,  and  he  felt 
relieved  that  Schneider  was  at  the  moment  finish- 
ing another  bottle  of  wine.  The  simple,  homely 
picture  of  the  unhappy  girl,  forgotten,  “ like  the 
flower,  sear  and  withered,”  made  for  the  second 
time  a wonderful  impression  upon  him  and  moved 
.dm  deeply.  The  last  words, 

Beneath  it  I feel 
I’m  forsaken  for  aye, 

had  scarcely  been  sung  when  loud  voices  and 
laughter  announced  the  arrival  of  other  guests  in 
the  adjoining  room. 

The  walls  were  thin,  and,  after  listening  at- 
tentively for  a moment,  Kathi  said  in  a half- 
whisper: 

“It’s  the  prince  and  Albersdorff  and  Levini. 
They’ve  come  from  the  Flora.  We  must  go.” 

While  Klaus  called  for  and  settled  the  reckon- 


54 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


ing,  Kathi  went  to  the  mirror  once  more  and  set- 
tled her  hat  upon  head,  enjoying,  while  she  did 
so,  the  glitter  of  her  newly  acquired  jewel.  Then 
the  three  tiptoed  out  in  silence,  listening,  as  they 
retreated,  to  the  laughter  and  jollity  of  the  recent 
arrivals. 

“They  are  amusing  themselves,”  said  Kathi, 
not  without  a certain  false  pathos,  as  she  emerged 
into  the  night  air;  “amusing  themselves  after  a 
fashion,  just  as  I have  often  done.  We  have  not 
laughed,  but  yet  I am  contented  with  my 
evening.” 

Yes,  she  was  certainly  contented  with  her  even- 
ing; but  had  she  been  asked  the  question  whether 
she  would  not  have  been  better  entertained  with 
Levini,  and  had  she  answered  honestly,  who 
knows  what  the  answer  would  have  been? 

They  entered  their  carriage,  and  were  driven 
back  rapidly  to  town.  Before  the  house,  at  99 
Zimmerstrasse,  Klaus  took  leave  of  Kathi.  She 
gave  him  permission,  at  parting,  to  visit  her  on 
the  following  day. 

As  the  door  closed  with  a bang,  and  the  key 
turned  in  the  lock,  Klaus  stood  still  to  catch  the 
sound  of  her  retreating  footsteps  on  the  stair, 
until  Leo  said  impatiently,  “Come!  there’s 
nothing  to  be  gained  by  lingering  here.  I have 
been  greatly  deceived  in  that  young  woman.  I 
thought  we’d  have  a few  hearty  laughs,  at  any 


ME.  AND  ME8.  BEWEB. 


55 


rate.  But  she  hasn’t  an  idea  in  that  pretty  head 
of  hers.  She  sat  there  like  a deaconess  by  a sick- 
bed. And  that’s  what  she  calls  a lark.  I am 
very  sorry  yon  had  such  a stupid  evening,  all 
through  me,  too.” 

“Don’t  say  a word  more,”  said  Klaus,  in  a 
kindly  tone,  as  he  linked  arms  with  his  friend. 
“You  did  your  best,  and  I am  very  well  con- 
tented, my  son.” 

“Then  your  demands  are  very  modest.  She’s 
pretty,  there’s  no  denying,  but  she’s  too  tiresome 
to  endure.” 

“Listen  to  me,  Leo,”  began  Klaus,  after  a 
moment’s  pause,  as  they  slowly  paced  the  de- 
serted street — it  was  after  one  o’  clock.  “You  will 
laugh  at  me,  but  I do  not  care  about  that.  It’s 
quite  clear  to  me  that  I’ m over  head  and  ears  in 
love  with  Fraulein  Schone,  and  as  I’m  no  child, 
I know  what  I have  to  do.  I have  known  girls 
and  women  in  all  conditions  of  life,  and  of  all 
countries,  yet  no  other  woman  has  ever  made 
such  an  impression  upon  me.  No  use  to  tell  me 
it  is  all  nonsense.  I know  better.  I would  be 
contented  to  sit  on  her  door-step,  and  feel  happy 
in  the  knowledge  that  I was  near  her.  That 
sounds  childish  and  foolish  to  you,  but  it  is  not 
so  to  me.  I have  decided  to  do  all  in  my  power 
to  make  this  lovely  creature  mine.  For  the  past 
ten  years  I have  lived  a life  of  solitude  and  drudg- 


56 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


ery,  away  from  my  kind,  without  knowing  what 
it  meant  to  enjoy  life.  Now  I shall  follow  my 
own  inclinations.  I have  no  human  being  in  the 
whole  world  to  care  for.  I am  free  and  inde- 
pendent. No  soul  has  any  right  to  dictate  to  me. 
More  than  that  is  unnecessary,  you’ll  acknowl- 
edge, Leo.” 

His  companion  was  speechless  from  astonish- 
ment. He  could  only  gasp: 

“ God  help  ns!  ” 

“Do  not  discuss  it  with  me.  If  you  are  my 
friend,  Leo,  you  will  help  me.  Find  out  for  me 
if  Fraulein  Sch  one’s  former  life  is  all  it  should 
be.” 

‘ ‘ But  Klaus,  you  are  taking  leave  of  your 
senses.  What  do  you  mean?  ” 

‘ ‘ I am  determined  to  make  Fraulein  Kathi 
Schone  my  wife,  if  she  is  reputable.” 

“And  if  she  isn’t?” 

“I’ll  marry  her  under  any  circumstance!  If 
her  character  is  aspersed,  I’ll  take  her  across  the 
ocean — back  to  Sumatra;  as  well  there  as  any- 
where. But  she  shall  belong  to  me — to  me  and 
to  no  other!  ” 

His  voice  trembled  at  the  last  words,  and  he 
pressed  Leo’s  arm  with  such  force  that  the  latter 
shrank  bank  with  pain. 

“Take  your  time,  my  boy;  take  your  time! 
Keep  yourself  in  check  and  be  prepared  for  reve- 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWEE. 


57 


lations,”  said  Leo  earnestly.  “Amuse  yourself 
with  Kathi,  but  when  you  are  ready  to  marry, 
marry  some  one  else.  One  would  not  care  to 
marry  a girl  whose  chosen  companions  are  Prince 
Strusa  and  the  Signora  Levini;  and  even  these 
she  discards  for  an  evening  to  gratify  a mere 
whim.” 

Leo  was  unquestionably  right,  but  that  very  fact 
vexed  Klaus. 

“It’s  a bad  fashion  people  have  of  telling  all 
they  know  and  more,  too,  just  because  it’s  un- 
pleasant, in  order  to  annoy  their  fellow-men,”  he 
responded  angrily.  “I  have  not  troubled  myself 
about  Prince  Strusa.  Made  no  allusion  to  him 
whatever,  if  I remember  correctly,  and  I never 
heed  the  condemnatory  speeches  of  narrow-minded 
men.  But  you,  as  an  actor,  should  understand 
that  the  same  code  of  manners  does  not  apply  to 
all  men  alike.  I have  often  pictured  to  myself  a 
well-bred,  gentle  housewife,  with  soft,  white 
hands  and  a white  apron  and  a bunch  of  keys. 
A woman  who,  while  you  spoke  of  love,  would  be 
thinking  of  the  monthly  accounts,  or  the  great 
washing,  and  I felt  that  while  I should  always 
have  the  greatest  respect  for  such  an  one,  I could 
never  endure  the  thought  of  having  her  by  my 
side  for  life.” 

They  had  reached  the  end  of  the  long  street 
now,  and  Leo  directed  their  way  toward  the 


58 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEB. 


Linden;  but  Klans  was  the  leader  to-night,  and 
turned  him  around  in  order  to  retrace  their 
steps  once  more  through  the  Zimmerstrasse. 

“Now,”  he  continued,  “let us  look  at  the  pos- 
sibility of  a fireside  of  one’s  own,  from  a brighter 
point  of  view.  I don’t  care  a bit  for  this  quiet 
respectability,  this  so-called  order.  I want  to  see 
the  bright  side  of  life.  I don’ t want  a wife  who’ll 
sit  sewing  buttons  on  my  shirts.  I want  a bright, 
animated  creature,  who  will  be  gay  and  lively; 
who  will  sing  me  sweet  songs;  who  will  be  such  a 
joy  as  I can  not  describe  to  you;  who  will  be  the 
delight  of  my  eyes  from  early  morning  to  late  at 
night;  whose  very  glance  will  bring  comfort  to  my 
soul;  who  will  have  an  artistic  nature  and  be — 
my  love,  my  companion,  my  wife!  ” 

Klaus  sighed  deeply  and  went  on  less  impetu- 
ously: 

“With  intervals  of  gall  and  wormwood!  Then 
a man  must  needs  be  a philosopher  and  say  to 
himself:  ‘No  one  has  the  power  to  change  the 
unalterable  past.’  ” 

His  voice  had  lost  its  confident  tone  now.  Sud- 
denly he  stopped.  They  were  just  opposite  the 
house  where  Kathi  lodged.  The  street  was  silent. 
Two  policemen  on  the  next  corner  were  discussing 
their  night’s  work.  All  the  windows  were  dark 
except  two  corner  ones  in  the  opposite  house, 
where  a narrow  ray  of  light  streamed  through  the 
half-drawn  curtain. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


59 


“All  with  which  I need  concern  myself  is  the 
present  and  the  future;  they  alone  belong  to  me. 
I will  be  answerable  for  them,  believe  me,”  con- 
tinued Klaus,  as  he  stood  and  looked  solemnly  at 
the  lighted  windows  opposite.  “Can  yon  not 
understand  what  a happiness  it  will  be  for  me  to 
cheer  and  sustain  so  lovely  a girl,  to  train  and 
guide  her,  to  shield  her  with  my  love,  and  to  lead 
her  into  a higher,  brighter  life?  Be  assured  I shall 
think  much  of  duty  in  this  marriage  and  shall 
strive  to  fulfill  my  every  obligation.  The  good 
God  alone  knows  through  what  kind  of  a child- 
hood she  has  passed  and  what  examples  were  ever 
before  her  eyes.  At  least  she  has  not  a bad  or 
depraved  nature. 

“Those  clear,  kind  eyes  look  at  you  so  hon- 
estly that  no  man  need  fear  to  take  by  the  hand 
the  girl  who  owns  them.  There  may  be  some 
annoyances,  and,  now  and  then,  a fault,  but  we 
will  not  trouble  about  them  until  they  come.  No 
man  living  is  better  fitted  to  form  a clear,  fair 
judgment  in  such  a matter  than  I,  for  no  man 
living  cares  less  for  the  trammels  and  narrow 
prejudices  of  what  is  called  society.  If  the  worst 
comes  to  the  worst,  I shall  only  be  marrying  a 
widow  who  has  never  been  married.” 

The  expressions  to  which  Klaus  gave  vent  were 
much  more  down-hearted  than  his  real  opinion  of 
the  matter.  But  he  was  decided,  and  he  felt  that 


60 


ME.  AND  MBS.  B1VEE. 


it  was  necessary  for  him  to  appear  reasonable, 
and  justify  himself,  not  only  in  his  friend’s  eyes, 
but  in  his  own. 

Still,  he  knew  that  he  had  not  convinced  Leo 
that  he  was  a rational  being;  his  friend’s  only 
condemnation  was  utter  silence,  and  Klaus  felt 
himself  growing  indignant  once  more  over  the 
total  lack  of  sympathy.  The  light  was  extin- 
guished in  the  house,  and,  as  Klaus  turned  away 
after  one  farewell  glance  at  the  narrow,  dark 
windows  opposite,  he  said,  with  a sigh: 

“What  more  can  I say  to  you?  Only  this:  I 
am  in  love!  ” 

As  they  retraced  their  steps  he  turned  back 
repeatedly  to  the  gloomy  house,  and  when  they 
reached  the  corner  and  Herr  Schneider  strove  once 
more  to  direct  his  companion’s  footsteps  toward 
the  Linden,  Klaus  was  too  much  for  him,  and 
turned  once  more  to  pace  the  weary  lengths  of 
the  Zimmerstrasse. 

Leo  was  very  tired,  not  only  of  the  walking, 
but  of  the  talking,  and  only  listened  with  half 
an  ear  to  the  other’s  incessant  conversation  on  the 
subject.  The  street-cleaners,  plying  their  nightly 
vocation  by  this  time,  looked  curiously  at  the 
pair;  but  Klaus  heeded  neither  dust  nor  men. 
The  night-watchman,  pacing  his  lonely  beat  at 
3 o’clock,  came  across  the  two  men  still  walk- 
ing arm  in  arm  with  measured  tread,  and  specu- 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


61 


lated  on  what  they  might  be  up  to  in  these  chilly 
morning  hours.  It  grew  lighter  and  lighter  in 
the  east.  The  day  broke  quickly.  The  first 
beams  of  the  sun  glistened  like  gold  on  the  win- 
dow panes.  The  lights  in  the  streets  were  extin- 
guished. The  man  who  kept  the  drosky  stand  at 
the  corner  took  down  his  cellar  shutters.  The 
city  began  to  awaken  slowly. 

“Well,  good-night,”  said  Leo,  who  had  come 
to  the  conclusion  that  he  couldn’t  stand  it  any 
longer,  even  for  a friend  from  Sumatra.  “I’m 
dead  tired,  and  can’t  go  another  step.  Your  love 
may  keep  you  awake,  but  it  don’ t affect  me  that 
way.  We’ll  see  each  other  to-morrow,  or,  more 
correctly  speaking,  to-day.  You  know  where  to 
find  me,  and  if  I learn  anything  which  will  inter- 
est you,  I’ll  let  you  know.  Good-by,  you’d  bet- 
ter take  some  rest  yourself.  Here,  you!  ” to 
the  man  at  the  drosky  stand,  “to  65  Markgrafen- 
strasse.  Be  lively,  now!  ” 

The  driver  yawned,  stretched  himself  slowly, 
as  he  leaned  against  the  railing,  removed  the 
long-emptied  fodder  pail  from  beneath  the  horse’s 
stiff  legs,  and  then  climbed  slowly  into  his  place, 
and,  with  a touch  of  the  whip  to  the  old  ani- 
mal’s back,  and  a sleepy  “Hey!”  his  drosky 
went  rattling  down  the  echoing  street. 

Klaus  walked  past  Kathi’s  windows  once  more, 
and  then  turned  his  steps  toward  the  Kaiserhof. 


CHAPTER  III. 


His  sleep  was  heavy  and  dreamless;  but  Kathi’s 
was  disturbed  by  many  and  fanciful  dreams. 
Toward  morning,  she  dreamed  of  the  Brazilian  in 
the  play  of  “ Parisian  Life,”  and  when  she 
awoke,  her  first  drowsy  thought  was  of  the  ring, 
which  she  had  placed  on  the  little  table  beside 
her  bed.  She  reached  for  it  at  once.  That  was 
no  dream,  at  any  rate.  The  jewel  was  there. 
How  it  sparkled  and  blazed  as  it  caught  the  rays 
of  the  morning  sun.  As  she  turned  it  on  her  fin- 
ger she  hummed,  unconsciously,  the  gay  air, 

He  comes  from  the  new  world, 

This  Brazilian  with  gold. 

Kathi  gave  unusual  time  and  attention  to  her 
toilet  to-day.  She  enjoined  her  landlady,  Frau 
Milcke,  to  make  the  room  as  attractive  as  possi- 
ble, and  to  waste  no  time  about  it  either,  for  she 
expected  a visitor  at  1 o’clock.  She,  herself, 
emptied  the  withered  flowers  from  the  ugly  por- 
celain vases,  and  displayed  a great  photograph 
album  on  the  little  oval  table  with  its  florid 
embroidered  cover.  The  few  photographs  which 
the  album  contained  were  of  actors  or  actresses, 

(6>J) 


MR.  AMD  MRS.  BEWER. 


68 


and  under  each,  one  was  an  amusing  exhibition  of 
sentiment  or  chirography.  One  assured  Kathi 
that  “she  was  dearer,  far  dearer,  than  aught 
beside,”  while  “yours  for  life”  held  her  ever  and 
always  in  highest  esteem.  In  fact,  all  the  senti- 
ments expressed  spoke  well  for  the  hearts  of 
Kathi’ s admirers,  even  though  less  might  be  said 
for  their  orthography. 

Klaus  left  his  room  a little  before  12  o’clock. 
He  had  bathed  and  breakfasted,  and  now  a 
weary  hour  hung  on  his  hands.  He  stopped 
in  the  hotel  office  and  picked  up  a morning 
paper.  Unwittingly  he  turned  to  the  amuse- 
ment column.  The  programme  at  the  Walhalla 
was  the  same  as  on  the  previous  evening.  It  was 
very  disagreeable  to  him  to  see  Kathi  Schone’s 
name.  It  even  provoked  him  to  notice  that  the 
printer  had  put  it  in  small  type,  while  the  family 
of  acrobats  and  Victoria  Levini  occupied  such 
conspicuous  places.  He  felt  ashamed  of  himself 
for  allowing  such  a trifle  to  annoy  him,  and  threw 
down  his  paper  in  disgust.  He  looked  about  him 
for  a minute  or  two,  and  then  sallied  forth  into 
the  busy  street. 

He  sauntered  down  Wilhelmstrasse,  and  soon 
turned  haphazard  into  the  Linden,  and  then  went 
on  to  the  right  in  the  direction  of  Friederich- 
strasse.  It  was  oppressively  hot.  He  halted 
before  a large  advertisement  board,  and  read 


64 


MR.  AMD  MRS.  BEWER. 


again  the  programme  of  the  evening’s  amusement 
at  the  Walhalla.  Then  he  went  on  again.  It 
must  surely  be  nearly  1 o’  clock  now.  He  looked 
at  his  watch;  it  was  ten  minutes  past  12.  He 
stopped  before  a jeweler's  great  plate-glass  win- 
dow. It  struck  him  it  would  be  a nice  little 
attention  to  show  to  Fraulein  Schone  to  buy  her 
some  trinket — the  little  thing  had  been  so  pleased 
with  the  ring;  she  seemed  to  have  a fancy  for 
jewelry.  He  went  into  the  shop,  and  had  various 
jewels  which  caught  his  eye  laid  out  before  him. 
He  selected  a rare  necklace,  of  great  value,  paid 
for  it,  and  sallied  forth  once  more. 

He  wondered  if  she  would  like  some  flowers. 
He  was  back  in  Wilhelms trasse  again,  and 
caught  a glimpse  of  a florist’s  shop,  fairly  over- 
crowded with  flowers.  Why  had  he  not  thought 
of  it  before?  But,  thank  goodness,  there  was 
time  yet.  He  turned  into  the  florist’s,  and  a min- 
ute later  was  buying  the  largest,  finest  bouquet 
which  the  vender  could  offer.  He  couldn’t  dawdle 
along  the  streets  now  with  this  large  bunch  of 
blossoms,  but  he  would  not  have  them  sent  on 
any  account;  that  would  deprive  him  of  the  grati- 
fication of  presenting  them  himself.  He  hailed  a 
drosky.  Alas!  it  wasn’t  1 o’clock  yet.  Perhaps 
Fraulein  Kathi  had  a sweet  tooth  and  was  fond 
of  dainties.  He  told  the  driver  to  drive  slowly 
through  the  Linden,  and  when  his  eye  caught  a 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


65 


confectioner’s  he  made  the  man  stop  while  he  got 
out  and  entered  the  place.  He  bought  a fancy 
basket  of  fruit,  a box  of  chocolates,  another  of 
bonbons,  and  a third  of  glaces.  The  confectioner 
could  hardly  restrain  a smile  as  he  put  the  large, 
grotesque-looking  package,  with  its  red  ribbons, 
in  the  drosky  beside  the  garden  of  flowers.  But 
Klaus  was  contented;  the  long  hour  was  at  an 
end  now,  and  he  could  hasten  to  99  Zimmerstrasse. 

When  the  carriage  finally  stopped  at  that  num- 
ber, Klaus  had  to  smile  at  himself  as  he  gathered 
together  his  various  purchases.  Kathi,  who  had 
been  waiting  at  the  window,  and  had  heard  the 
carriage  draw  up,  peeped  out  from  behind  the 
curtain,  and  laughed  aloud  when  she  saw  the 
enormous  bouquet  and  the  parcel  with  its  red 
streamers. 

Klaus  looked  up  at  the  window,  but  Kathi  was 
hidden  from  view.  She  sprang  back  now,  and 
seized  Schiller’s  poems — a book  she  always  read 
when  visitors  were  expected — and  sank  down  on 
the  hard  sofa.  The  door-bell  rang.  She  could 
hear  the  landlady  shuffle  along  the  passage,  then 
a blow  like  a sledge-hammer  on  her  own  door. 

“Come  in!”  she  cried,  in  an  indifferent  tone, 
without  rising,  and  not  seeming  in  the  least  dis- 
turbed by  the  pounding,  and  Klaus  entered. 

The  landlady  shut  the  door  behind  him.  He 
came  with  the  flowers  in  his  right  hand,  the 

5 


66 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


sweets  and  fruit  in  his  left,  and  the  jewels  in  his 
coat  pocket;  altogether,  he  presented  a most  com- 
ical appearance. 

“Ah,  Herr  von  Bewer!  ” exclaimed  the  little 
singer  in  joyful  surprise,  while  she  rose  to  receive 
him,  “how  good  of  you  to  come!”  and,  bend- 
ing over  the  flowers,  she  buried  her  little  nose  in 
them,  and  exclaimed: 

“These  are  not  for  me? ” 

“For  you!  All  for  you!”  said  Klaus,  laying 
both  package  and  bouquet  upon  the  table. 

“But  how  could  you?”  said  Kathi,  with  a 
desire  to  be  polite  rather  than  truthful.  She  was 
very  enthusiastic  over  the  beauty  and  rarity  of 
the  flowers,  and  grew  quite  childish  at  the  sight 
of  the  sweets.  She  nibbled  at  several  different 
kinds,  and  was  so  surprised  that  Herr  von  Bewer 
should  know  just  what  she  liked.  How  fond  she 
was  of  chocolates!  of  glaces!  and,  above  all  else, 
of  bonbons! 

“ And  this  belongs  to  you,  too,”  said  Klaus,  as 
he  drew,  not  without  a certain  diffidence,  the 
morocco  case  from  his  pocket. 

“Oh,  no,  nothing  else!”  she  exclaimed,  in  a 
changed  and  embarrassed  tone,  which  added 
greatly  to  her  charm,  Klaus  thought,  as  she 
turned  the  little  box,  with  its  tissue-paper  cover- 
ing, over  and  over  again  in  her  hand.  Then,  with 
coquettish  hesitation,  she  untied  the  silken  cord. 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWER. 


67 


When  she  saw  the  morocco  case,  her  cheeks 
flushed  slightly,  and  she  pressed  her  finger  hastily 
on  the  spring,  and  her  new  possession  lay  revealed 
to  her  eager  eyes. 

“ How  magnificent!  How  lovely!”  she  cried, 
in  genuine  surprise  and  delight  now.  “ What 
can  I say,  how  can  I thank  you,  for  all  the  pleas- 
ure you  are  giving  me!  It  is  too  beautiful!  ” 

Levini  had  a necklace  not  unlike  this.  How 
Kathi  had  envied  the  prima  donna  her  possession! 

Kathi  took  it  for  granted  that  this  was  a Paris- 
ian imitation,  also;  but  it  was  costly  enough  even 
at  that.  But  when  she  read  the  name  of  the  firm 
on  the  white  satin  lining,  she  was  stupefied. 
She  took  up  the  necklace  carefully,  and  pressed 
the  golden  clasp  with  beating  heart.  She  under- 
stood little  about  precious  stones,  but  her  in- 
stinct did  not  fail  her.  The  whole  thing  bore 
the  impress  of  genuineness.  She  tripped  lightly 
across  the  room,  two  or  three  times,  like  an  over- 
joyed child. 

“ Oh,  it  is  too  beautiful,  much  too  beautiful!  ” 

She  fastened  it  on  before  her  mirror,  over  the 
simple  summer  morning-gown,  bending  her  grace- 
ful neck  forward  as  she  did  so,  in  order  to  clasp  it 
securely.  Then  she  unbuttoned  her  linen  collar, 
and  took  it  off,  in  order  that  the  necklace  might 
rest  against  her  neck;  and  after  this,  she  studied 
the  effect  carefully  and  critically  in  the  glass. 


68 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


“Why  are  you  so  good  to  me?”  she  asked, 
turning  toward  Klaus,  and  stretching  out  her 
hands  impulsively.  > 

“Why  am  I?”  responded  Klaus,  as  he  drew 
her  toward  him.  She  did  not  resist  any  more. 
He  took  the  little  head  between  his  hands,  and 
gave  her  a first  kiss,  an  earnest,  almost  devo- 
tional kiss  upon  her  forehead.  As  he  clasped 
her  tender  figure  in  his  arms,  and  she  laid  her 
arm  trustingly  on  his  shoulder,  he  felt  as  if  his 
heart  would  break  for  very  joy.  He  pressed  his 
lips  long  and  tenderly  upon  the  brow  of  this 
beloved  maiden,  and  his  breath  came  thick  and 
fast. 

“I  like  you  so  very,  very  much,”  whispered 
Kathi.  She  spoke  sincerely  enough,  too.  No 
one  else  had  ever  treated  her  with  such  kindness 
and  such  respect.  She  felt  that  his  manner  was 
so  entirely  different  from  that  of  any  of  the 
others. 

“ If  that  is  so — if  you  are  in  earnest — then  we 
will  never  part,”  cried  Klaus.  “Listen  tome, 
Kathi.  I am  not  a man  to  reflect  or  ponder 
much,  but,  for  all  that,  I do  not  act  precipitately, 
and  know  full  well  what  I say  and  do.  I love 
you  with  all  my  heart!  You  have  taken  me  cap- 
tive. You  alone  can  make  me  happy.  If  you 
have  not  already  given  your  promise  to  some  one 
else,  and  can,  with  a clear  conscience,  give  your 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


69 


hand  to  a simple,  upright  man,  who  loves  you 
with  his  whole  heart,  then  I am  more  than 
blessed.” 

Kathi  only  understood  half — the  declaration  of 
love.  The  proposal  of  marriage  she  did  not 
understand. 

“Don’t  be  so  impetuous!  ” she  said,  laughing. 
“ I have  no  other  love,  and  you  are  to  remain 
here.  We’ll  learn  to  know  one  another  better, 
and  see  how  we’ll  agree.  I’ll  wear  this  lovely 
necklace  to-night  in  your  honor.”  She  felt  it 
necessary  to  say  something  polite. 

“You  mean  at  the  Walhalla?”  asked  Klaus. 

“Of  course;  where  else?  Won’t  the  others  be 
green  with  envy,  though!  ” 

“You  must  never  go  there  again,”  said  Klaus, 
very  earnestly.  “You  must  not  go  out  to-day 
under  any  circumstances.” 

“Don’t  get  cross!  ” laughed  Kathi.  “ I’d  lose 
half  my  month’s  pay  if  I were  not  there.” 

“I  don’t  care  if  you  lose  a whole  month’s,  and 
are  fined  into  the  bargain.  You  must  not  go 
again.  Never  again  do  I want  to  see  you  in  that 
blue  costume  with  the  swan’s-down  trimming.  I 
never  want  another  man  to  send  his  card  to  your 
dressing-room  and  take  you  out  to  supper.  You 
have  done  with  all  that.  Your  contract  is  dis- 
solved. I’ll  take  care  of  everything.  And  you 
must  not  remain  here  any  longer,  either,”  he  con- 


70 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


tinued,  looking  around  the  stuffy,  ill-furnished 
room,  “it’s  too  gloomy  for  you!  You  must 
have  a bright,  well-furnished  suite  of  rooms  in 
one  of  the  hotels  in  Unter  den  Linden,  where 
you  can  be  comfortable  and  at  hast  be  able  to 
receive  people.  You  shall  have  beautiful  apart- 
ments, such  as  you  deserve.  Why  do  you  look  so 
astonished  and  incredulous?  And  you  must  en- 
gage a companion,  in  order  that  it  may  be  possi- 
ble for  me  to  be  with  you  a part  of  each  day.  Of 
course,  you  will  not  desire  any  intercourse  with 
your  old  acquaintances  of  the  Walhalla;  they  are 
not  desirable  fiiends  for  you.  You  can  not  know 
how  happy  it  will  make  me  to  open  a new  world 
before  your  eyes,  to  change  your  whole  existence, 
and  to  give  you  all  I have  to  give  to  brighten  your 
life!  ” He  stopped  a moment,  and  then  went  on, 
almost  bashfully: 

“We  need  not  bother  about  ways  and  means. 
I have  plenty  for  us  both!  ” 

Kathi  listened  to  all  this  with  growing  aston- 
ishment, like  one  in  a dream.  It  was  a very  enter- 
taining programme  which  this  blonde  stranger 
unrolled  in  such  a simple,  matter-of-fact  manner, 
as  he  sat  opposite  her.  Apartments  in  Unter  den 
Linden,  and  a companion!  All  this  meant  a life 
of  gaiety  and  riot,  money  galore  for  fine  gowns, 
with  endless  possibilities  such  as  had  never  en- 
tered her  mind,  even  in  her  wildest  dreams.  And 


ME.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


71 


should  all  these  become  realities,  not  in  a year 
and  a day,  but  upon  the  spot?  For  one  moment 
she  thought  it  was  all  a hoax — for  only  one  mo- 
ment. Suddenly  the  seriousness  of  the  whole 
affair  presented  itself  to  her.  She  looked  with 
clear  glance  at  what  had  seemed  so  confused  and 
hazy  until  now.  She  saw  before  her  the  future 
which  depended  on  her  decision,  and  her  first 
excitement  was  over.  How  long  would  this  ideal 
existence  last?  There  must  be  some  definite  prom- 
ise; something  beyond  this  play  of  the  hour. 
This  feeling  was  so  strong  within  her  that  she 
could  no  longer  rejoice. 

“Dear  friend,”  she  said,  very  earnestly,  “let 
us  talk  to  one  another  like  rational  beings.  Do 
you  really  mean  that  I shall  give  up  my  position 
at  the  theater — my  career,  in  fact?  And  do  you 
know  what  that  signifies?  It  is  true,  I do  not 
occupy  a very  exalted  position  now,  but  better 
days  are  before  me.  I have  an  engagement  in 
view  now  which  promises  better  things.  And 
when  you  are  tired  of  me,  are  disgusted  with  me,  I 
can  begin  all  over  again,  I suppose?  The  change 
from  this  dark  room  in  the  Zimmerstrasse  to 
apartments  in  Unter  den  Linden  is  easily  accom- 
plished, but  the  change  back  from  Unter  den  Lin- 
den to  Zimmerstrasse — that  would  cost  many  a 
tear.” 

“You  are  a child,”  responded  Klaus,  with  a 


72 


MR.  AMD  MRS.  BEWER. 


good-natured  laugh.  “ You  do  not  know  me  yet, 
but  you  will  learn  to  know  me  when  I win  your 
love.”  He  put  his  arm  around  her,  and,  laying 
her  head  gently  on  his  breast,  kissed  her  tenderly. 

“You  will  be  part  of  myself,  you  know;  you 
will  be  mine  for  life— for  life,”  he  repeated 
softly,  and  the  strong  man  trembled  like  a timid 
child. 

Kathi  was  appeased.  This  was  neither  the  lan- 
guage nor  the  manner  of  an  unprincipled  man.  It 
had  the  ring  of  a true  lover.  She  felt  that  she, 
for  her  part,  must  make  Klaus  understand  that 
he  had  placed  his  affections  on  no  unworthy 
object,  and  she  related  to  him,  with  simple 
straightforwardness,  and  in  that  charming  dia- 
lect of  hers,  the  story  of  her  early  life.  How 
she  had  been  forced,  by  the  unhappiness  of  her 
home  life,  to  seek  her  fortune  before  the  foot- 
lights. She  lost  her  mother  when  she  was  a little 
child.  Her  father,  a well-to-do  leather  dealer, 
had  been  ruined  on  the  exchange.  A friend  of 
the  family,  recognizing  in  her  some  histrionic  tal- 
ent, had  had  her  educated,  to  a certain  extent,  at 
least,  for  the  stage,  and  afterward  had  secured  for 
her  a position  with  an  opera  company  at  Klaus- 
enburg;  after  that,  through  the  means  of  a Berlin 
agent,  she  had  been  enticed  to  the  Walhalla  with- 
out knowing  she  was  to  be  degraded  into  a mere 
music-hall  singer.  That  was  bad,  but  she  felt 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEB. 


73 


certain  she  would  receive  a financial  promotion 
when  her  present  three  months’  engagement  was 
over.  But  her  mind  was  made  up  to  return  to  the 
opera  whenever  an  opportunity  should  offer.  But 
now,  thank  Gtod,  she  would  be  free  from  it  all. 
The  idea  of  a companion  pleased  her  most  of 
all.  She  had  always  felt  so  much  alone! 

Klaus  listened  enraptured  to  all  her  simple 
chatter,  and  believed  it  as  though  it  were  gospel. 
He  had  the  proud  feeling  of  a conqueror.  Had 
not  Kathi  bent  her  will  to  his,  unhesitatingly? 
She  would  leave  the  stage  at  his  bidding.  She 
would  take  up  her  residence  on  the  street  he 
chose.  Best  of  all,  she  would  love  him. 

“If  you  have  really  decided  that  I must  not 
sing  to-night,  it  is  high  time  that  I inform  the 
management.  Fortunately,  I am  in  the  good 
books  of  the  physician  of  the  theater.” 

“ Don’ t trouble  yourself  about  all  that!”  said 
Klaus.  “I’ll  manage  it  through  Schneider.  He’  11 
be  breakfasting  at  Topfer’s  about  now.  I’ll 
engage  the  rooms  for  you,  and  you  pack  your 
traps  and  be  ready  by  3 o’clock,  then  we’ll 
make  a few  purchases  together  and  you  can  enter 
into  your  new  kingdom  before  night.  ‘ What  can 
be  done  to-day  need  not  be  delayed  until  to-mor- 
row.’ Isn’t  that  so,  my  sweetheart?” 

He  smoothed  her  black  hair  caressingly,  and 
leaned  over  and  whispered  in  her  ear,  “And 


74 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


now  that  we  understand  one  another  we  can  talk 
like  rational  people.  That’s  what  you  said,  you 
know.  Even  though  one  makes  a radical  change 
in  position,  a salary  day  is  a necessity  as  much  as 
ever.  My  purse  is  on  the  table;  do  not  hesitate 
to  use  it,  my  dear  child.  Pay  all  you  owe. 
Good-by.  I’ll  be  back  in  a couple  of  hours!  ” 

He  kissed  her  on  the  cheek,  took  his  hat,  turned 
back  for  a second  greeting  at  the  door,  and  went 
off  with  a happy  smile. 

Kathi  stood  for  a short  time  in  the  middle  of 
the  room  where  he  had  left  her.  She  had  a 
troubled  look  on  her  face.  Then  she  shook  her 
head  slowly  and  walked  to  the  table  and  sat  down. 
She  opened  the  pocket-book  and  counted  the 
money.  Two  thousand  marks,  in  hundred,  and 
fifty,  mark  notes.  Klaus,  in  his  anxiety  to  put 
the  purse  on  the  table  in  an  unobserved  moment, 
had  neglected  to  remove  certain  business  papers 
and  a letter  from  his  brother  Wilhelm,  in  San 
Francisco,  in  which  the  latter  stated  he  intended 
visiting  his  native  land  the  beginning  of  the 
ensuing  year. 

The  business  papers  were  all  Greek  to  Kathi, 
but  she  opened  the  California  letter  and  read  it 
eagerly.  Then  she  sat  musing,  with  a discour- 
aged look  on  her  face,  for  some  minutes  longer. 

Suddenly  she  arose  with  a jerk  and  drew  out  a 
large  willow  hamper,  which  stood  in  an  alcove. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


75 


and  opened  her  closet  and  the  drawers  of  her 
bureau.  She  took  out  one  article  of  clothing 
after  another,  and  scanned  them  critically,  ask- 
ing herself  the  question  whether  it  were  worth 
her  while  to  take  them  or  not.  What  would  she 
do  in  Unter  den  Linden  with  all  this  cheap  finery? 
One  was  out  of  date,  another  soiled  and  worn. 
The  landlady’s  heart  would  rejoice  at  them;  she 
could  make  them  over  for  her  daughter.  Almost 
the  only  thing  which  stood  the  test  was  the  sailor 
suit  she  had  worn  the  previous  evening.  When 
Kathi  came  to  her  underwear,  she  had  a feeling  of 
real  shame  that  it  was  so  meager  in  quantity  and 
poor  in  quality.  She  wondered  for  the  moment 
if  she  couldn’t  run  out  and  buy  herself  a new  out- 
fit— she  had  the  means  now — but  gave  up  the  idea 
with  a sigh,  for  there  was  no  time.  But  what  did 
it  matter?  Klaus  must  know  she  had  but  a 
limited  wardrobe;  he  wouldn’t  have  provided  her 
so  liberally  with  money,  if  he  had  not  understood 
that.  She  pushed  the  hamper  back  into  the 
alcove  with  a kick,  locked  the  wardrobe  door 
again,  and  pushed  in  the  shoe  drawer. 

She  called  the  landlady,  who  usually  performed 
the  services  of  dressing-maid,  as  well.  While  the 
woman  was  fastening  on  her  one  presentable 
frock,  Kathi  told  her  she  would  be  obliged  to 
leave  her  to-day,  but  she  would  pay  her  a full 
month’s  rent  and  also  give  her  for  her  little  Hilda 


76 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


— she  had  always  liked  the  little  thing — all  her 
clothes,  which  were  there  in  a heap  on  the  floor. 
Frau  Milcke  was  overjoyed,  and  showed  her 
appreciation  of  the  favors  showered  upon  her; 
had  she  not  always  said  that  Fraulein  Schone  had 
great  things  in  store  for  her;  she,  who  was  so  kind, 
so  amiable,  so  beautiful,  would  get  the  reward  she 
deserved.  Ah,  she  was  a good  prophet,  if  she 
was  poverty-stricken  and  took  lodgers;  she  could 
see  beyond  her  nose  as  well  as  another. 

Kathi  gathered  up  her  trifles,  the  volume  of 
Schiller,  some  music,  her  album,  her  newly  ac- 
quired jewels,  and  her  toilet  articles,  and  thrust 
them  in  a satchel.  She  gave  the  trunk,  with  her 
theatrical  costumes,  into  Frau  Milcke’ s keeping 
for  the  present.  Then  she  put  on  her  hat  and 
her  veil,  put  the  satchel  on  the  sofa  beside  her,  and 
took  her  bouquet  in  her  hand.  She  was  ready  for 
her  journey  now — for  her  journey  into  a new 
world,  into  a new  life.  She  left  little  behind,  not 
even  a fleeting  regret. 

So  she  sat  and  waited  for  Klaus. 

Klaus,  in  the  mean  time,  had  seen  Leo,  and  the 
latter  had  gone  at  once,  at  his  friend’s  behest,  to 
inform  the  manager  that  Kathi  Schone  was  done 
with  (hem  all  forever.  The  news  created  neither 
excitement  nor  much  comment  at  the  Walhalla. 
Kathi  Schone  was  far  down  the  list,  as  Klaus  had 
noticed,  and  the  management  took  it  easily.  She 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


77 


was  the  daughter  of  a shoemaker  in  Vienna,  the 
manager  told  Leo; ’had  been  employed  herself  in  a 
shoe  shop,  but  had  not  liked  if,  so  had  sought 
some  kind  of  a position  on  the  stage.  She  had 
been  engaged  as  a chorus  singer  at  Klausenburg, 
from  that  she  had  gone  into  a music-hall  at  Prague, 
and  from  there  had  come  to  the  Walhalla.  Noth- 
ing was  known  to  her  discredit,  but,  with  a shrug, 
she  had  brought  no  certificate  of  virtue  with  her. 
In  fact,  Herr  Fechter  had  nothing  definite  to  tell 
about  her.  Of  late,  Prince  Strusa  had  been 
amusing  himself  with  her;  whether  it  amounted 
to  anything  or  not,  he  could  not  say. 

As  soon  as  Leo  had  heard  all  this,  he  was  ready 
with  his  programme.  Why  should  he  thrust  his 
hand  into  the  hornet’s  nest?  Klaus  was  of  age, 
and  ought  to  know  his  own  mind.  What  would 
he  gain  by  telling  Klaus  the  plain  truth?  Noth- 
ing but  curses.  There  was  little  to  tell,  at  best. 
He  had  warned  him  the  night  before,  all  to  no 
purpose,  so  he  would  let  it  rest  now. 

So  he  only  told  Klaus  the  agreeable  things  and 
refrained  from  repeating  Herr  Fechter’ s question- 
able reflections. 

Klaus  pressed  his  friend’s  hand  warmly.  Leo 
had  indeed  proven  himself  true  and  leal. 

The  two  went  together  to  the  Hotel  de  Rome, 
where  Klaus  engaged  rooms  for  Katlii.  A salon, 
dining-room,  dressing-room,  and  bedchamber, 


78 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


with  a small  room  above  for  the  companion. 
After  that  Leo  left  him  to  attend  to  some  final 
matters  concerning  the  annulment  of  Kathi’s  con- 
tract, and  Klaus  sprang  into  liis  carriage  and  was 
driven  back  to  99  Zimmerstrasse. 

His  heart  beat  high  with  joy  when  he  saw  Kathi 
sitting  on  the  sofa,  with  her  bouquet  in  her  hand, 
awaiting  his  return.  And  when  she  said,  in  her 
comical  manner,  “I  have  decided  to  leave  all  the 
trash  behind;  I don’t  lose  much;  you  must  take 
me  as  I am  now,  without  any  finery,”  Klaus 
thought  no  other  woman  could  be  so  simple  and 
innocent,  and  he  held- her  in  his  arms  and  kissed 
her  and  called  her  the  most  bewitching  of  maidens. 

Kathi  summoned  the  landlady  and  bade  her 
good-by  after  a civil,  friendly  fashion;  then  she 
took  the  arm  of  her  happy  and  beaming  lover, 
and  the  two  sallied  forth  into  the  new  and  undis- 
covered country. 

Frau  Milcke  stood  watching  the  carriage  until 
it  turned  the  corner.  She  shook  her  head 
thoughtfully,  while  she  fastened  the  notice, 
“ Handsomely  Furnished  Rooms  to  Let,”  in  her 
front  window.  Then,  turning  away  with  a sigh, 
she  murmured,  “Yes,  yes,  all  the  world  is  seek- 
ing for  happiness,  and  must  have  it.”  Then  she 
added  philosophically,  as  she  fastened  the  door, 
“Well,  it’s  the  main  thing,  after  all.” 


CHAPTER  IV. 


Kathi  accommodated  herself  to  her  new  sur- 
roundings with  a rapidity  that  was  truly  aston- 
ishing. Her  first  few  purchases  quite  took  away 
her  breath,  everything  she  saw  was  so  lovely  and 
expensive.  It  scarcely  took  an  hour  for  her  to 
discover  how  unsophisticated  her  new  lover  was 
concerning  the  value  of  money.  After  making 
this  discovery  she  assumed  control,  and  squan- 
dered money  with  the  assurance  of  one  who  had 
had  years  of  experience.  She  ceased  exclaiming 
and  admiring,  and  grew  as  fussy  and  particular 
as  the  oldest  shopper  in  Berlin.  She  gave  the 
shopmen  her  orders  with  the  calm  indifference  of 
a great  lady,  while  Klaus  stood  passive  and 
admiring  by  her  side. 

It  only  required  one  afternoon  to  metamor- 
phose this  shoemaker’s  daughter  of  Vienna,  this 
music-hall  singer,  this  soubrette  of  the  Walhalla, 
who  had  haggled  over  the  price  of  her  breakfast 
not  twenty  hours  before,  into  an  easy,  confident 
girl,  who  spent  thousands  of  marks  during  a few 
hours  with  all  the  aplomb  of  a woman  of  the 
world. 


(79) 


80 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


When  they  arrived  at  the  hotel,  the  porter 
informed  the  “ gnadiges  Fraulein  ” that  a num- 
ber of  parcels  had  been  sent  to  her  rooms.  Kathi 
was  soon  at  work  opening  them,  and  now  indeed 
she  showed  her  delight.  She  made  an  occasional 
derogatory  remark  concerning  the  stupidity  of 
some  shop-keeper  or  other,  who  had  mistaken 
her  order,  but,  on  the  whole,  she  was  very  pleas- 
ant. The  two  dined  together  in  Kathi’ s little 
dining-room,  and  afterward  took  a long  walk. 
Seven  o’clock  struck  from  a church  tower  near 
by  while  they  were  sauntering  through  the  Thier- 
garten.  When  Kathi  heard  it,  she  exclaimed: 

“You  can  not  know  how  happy  I am  that  I 
have  escaped  forever  from  that  dressing-room, 
where  I was  sweltering  last  night  at  this  hour.” 

Klaus  was  too  rejoiced  to  hear  her  thus  express 
herself  to  do  more  than  press  her  little  band. 

He  parted  from  her  early,  for  the  day  had  been 
a tiresome  one  for  Kathi,  he  said,  and  she  needed 
rest. 

Kathi  refused  the  services  of  a maid,  who  vol- 
unteered to  assist  her  in  undressing,  explaining, 
at  length,  that  she  was  a little  particular,  and  one 
had  to  grow  accustomed  to  her  ways.  Her  last 
maid  had  just  left  her,  but  another  was  engaged, 
who  would  be  with  her  early  on  the  morrow,  and 
then  she  would  be  all  right  again. 

She  ordered  her  bath  tp  be  prepared  for  9 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


81 


o’  clock,  her  breakfast  for  10,  and  her  hairdresser 
for  11;  but  no  visitors  were  to  be  admitted 
before  noon.  Afler  which  the  serving  maid 
departed,  with  many  courtesies  and  wishes  that 
the  “ gnadiges  Fraulein  ” might  pass  a comforta- 
ble night. 

Kathi  put  on  one  new  article  of  attire  after 
another  to  see  how  becoming  they  were.  On  the 
whole,  she  was  well  satisfied  with  her  afternoon’s 
work,  though  she  decided  to  add  a feather  here, 
or  a bit  of  lace  there,  to  give  the  finishing  touch 
to  a bonnet  or  some  other  bit  of  finery.  Then  she 
put  them  away  in  her  capacious  wardrobes  and 
drawers,  and  went  to  her  bed,  the  first  really 
comfortable  bed,  she  reflected,  upon  which  she 
had  ever  lain.  She  soon  fell  asleep,  and  as  she 
dozed  off  her  last  thoughts  were  of  the  purchases 
which  were  yet  to  arrive  in  the  morning. 

Klaus  walked  slowly  down  Unter  den  Linden. 
Before  Dressel’s  he  met  several  of  Schneider’s 
friends,  with  whom  he  had  supped  on  the  previous 
evening.  They  shook  hands  with  him  and 
invited  him  to  again  make  one  around  the  Stamm- 
tisch.  He  declined  their  invitations  politely,  and 
went  on  his  course  alone,  feeling  secretly  annoyed 
that  his  meditations  had  been  interrupted  even 
for  a moment.  His  head  and  heart  were  both 
full.  He  had  much  to  consider,  much  to  over- 
come, before  he  could  bring  all  his  hopes  and 
6 


82 


ME.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


plans  to  full  maturity.  But  his  head  was  buzz- 
ing, and  he  could  not  get  his  brain  in  working 
order.  He  stood  at  the  entrance  of  the  park  and 
looked  dreamily  into  the  distance.  Finally  he 
entered  by  the  Brandenburg  gate  and  struck  into 
a gloomy  side  path,  which,  for  that  very  reason, 
was  avoided  by  tire  Berliners  at  night  as  danger- 
ous. For  the  past  twenty -four  hours,  since  he 
had  seen  the  Viennese  singer,  Klaus  had  been  in 
a state  of  intoxication.  He  could  think  of  noth- 
ing else  but  Kathi — her  manner,  her  voice,  her 
eyes. 

The  evening  was -close  and  sultry.  A storm  lay 
in  the  air.  Not  a star  gleamed  in  tbe  heavens, 
not  a breath  of  air  stirred  the  old  towering  trees. 
Klaus  went  deeper  and  deeper  into  the  lonely, 
desolate  wood.  No  sound  but  the  crunch  of  his 
own  boots  upon  the  gravel,  and  the  distant  hum 
of  a great  city,  fell  on  his  ear.  Once  or  twice  he 
met  an  equivocal  pair  of  lovers  loitering  along, 
but  he  paid  them  no  heed.  What  interest  had 
they  for  him?  What  interest  had  any  one  for 
him  but  Kathi?  He  had  no  other  wish  than  to  be 
unmolested  and  unobserved.  He  breathed  so 
heavily  at  times  that  it  almost  amounted  to  a sob. 
He  reviewed  his  whole  life  — he  thought  of  his 
home,  of  his  father,  of  the  liquidation  of  his  busi- 
ness at  Sumatra,  of  Prince  Strusa,  of  the  smiling 
face  of  a certain  shop-keeper  who  had  served 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


83 


Kathi  that  day;  what  business  had  the  man  to 
smile?  confound  him! 

This  oppressive  air,  with  its  lack  of  ozone,  was 
making  him  sleepy.  A gloomy,  brooding  mood 
came  over  him,  the  reaction  from  his  recent  state  of 
intense  excitement.  Every  now  and  then  the  ques- 
tion would  force  itself  upon  him,  through  all  his 
confusion  of  brain,  whether  he  was  doing  right; 
whether  he  was  acting  with  discretion,  with  pru- 
dence? 

This  question  made  him  angry  each  time  it 
intruded  itself  upon  his  confused  brain.  He 
would  not  ask  himself  such  questions  and  he 
would  not  answer. 

“It  is  my  own  affair  and  nothing  to  any  one 
else!  ” And  this  seemed  to  him  the  conclusion  of 
the  whole  matter. 

Through  the  trees  to  his  left  he  could  see  the 
lamp-lights  gleaming.  A violent  wind  blew  sud- 
denly from  the  north  with  great  force,  telling 
that  the  brewing  storm  was  about  to  burst.  Klaus 
hurried  toward  the  entrance  now,  to  avoid  it,  and 
had  reached  the  corner  of  Hohenzollernstrasse 
before  the  heavy  drops  began  to  fall.  Here  he 
took  a drosky  and  was  driven  rapidly  to  the  Kais- 
erhof. 

When  he  reached  his  own  room,  he  threw  open 
the  windows.  The  rain  was  falling  in  torrents 
now,  clattering  against  the  tin  roofs  and  fairly 


84 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


flooding  the  asphalt  pavements.  The  black 
heavens  were  ablaze  at  every  moment  with  fierce 
lightning  flashes,  which  zigzagged  across  the  fir- 
mament. 

Klaus  stood  at  the  window  in  his  shirt  sleeves, 
watching  the  row  of  droskies  beneath  him.  The 
coachmen  had  taken  refuge  in  their  vehicles,  but 
the  lightning’s  gleam  played  across  the  backs  of 
the  poor,  patient  horses,  who  hung  their  heads 
lower  than  usual  to-night. 

His  spirits  began  to  revive.  He  called  to  a 
waiter  to  light  a candle  and  place  it  on  his  writing- 
table,  to  put  fresh,  ink  in  the  dry  well,  to  bring 
him  pen,  paper  and  envelopes,  tea  and  rum,  and 
some  cigars.  He  paced  up  and  down  the  room 
until  his  orders  were  obeyed.  When  the  man  had 
done  his  bidding,  and  he  was  alone  again,  he  threw 
off  his  collar,  unbuttoned  his  shirt  bosom,  and 
drew  a deep  sigh  of  relief  as  the  cool  air  struck 
his  breast. 

Then,  while  the  window-blinds  rattled  and  the 
light  flickered  with  every  gust  of  wind,  and  the 
rain  splashed  on  the  hard  pavement  below,  he 
seated  himself  and  wrote  as  follows  to: 

Herr  Dr.  Gottlieb  Bewer,  Tutor , Greifswald 
University. 

Berlin  Kaiserhof,  August  29,  1878. 

My  Dear  Gottlieb:  As  you  will  see  from  the 
heading  of  this  letter,  I am  once  again  in  your 
vicinity.  We  must  see  one  another  soon.  You 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


85 


know  liow  poor  a correspondent  I am.  I will  tell 
you  everything  in  a few  words.  All  has  gone  well 
with  me  and  I am  a rich  man.  But  you  have 
something  better  than  that  upon  which  to  con- 
gratulate me.  I am  engaged  to  be  married. 
Engaged  to  a charming  girl  from  Vienna,  who 
speaks  German  with  the  most  delightful  accent  I 
ever  heard.  Fraulein  Kathi  Schone  was,  before 
our  engagement,  a singer,  but  she  has  given  up 
the  stage  forever,  now.  She  comes  from  a plain, 
but  honest,  worthy  family.  I will  not  describe 
my  fiancee  to  you,  for  you  will  see  her.  As  we 
have  no  one’s  pleasure  but  our  own  to  consult, 
our  marriage  will  take  place  as  soon  as  the  nec- 
essary formalities  are  concluded. 

I write  by  this  mail  to  Elise  at  Husum,  and 
Wilhelm  in  San  Francisco.  You  can  communicate 
with  the  Lubeck  people,  if  you  desire,  as  I hold 
no  intercourse  whatever  with  them. 

I shall  expect  a visit  from  you  very  soon,  or  will 
go  to  you  if  you  prefer.  I am  very  happy. 

Affectionately, 

Klaus. 

The  letters  to  the  pastor’s  wife  and  to  Wilhelm 
were,  almost  word  for  word,  copies  of  that  which 
he  had  written  to  his  younger  brother.  He  sealed 
and  addressed  them,  blew  out  the  candle  on  the 
table,  threw  his  cigar  out  of  the  window,  and 
closed  the  casement.  After  that  he  prepared  for 
rest  slowly,  very  slowly,  and  sat  for  full  fifteen 
minutes  on  the  edge  of  his  bed  watching  the  dim 
flare  from  the  solitary  candle  on  the  bureau  as  it 
fell  on  the  brass  claw  of  the  table;  then,  with  a 


86 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEVEB. 


sigh,  he  put  out  the  light  and  threw  himself  on  the 
bed  with  the  words,  “It’s  my  business  and  no 
one’s  else!  ” 

He  lay  awake  for  a long  time  staring  with  wide- 
open  eyes  into  the  darkness,  until  the  weary  lids 
finally  closed  in  sleep. 

At  half -past  11  the  next  morning,  the  por- 
ter of  the  Hotel  de  Rome  explained  to  Klaus  that 
Fraulein  Schone  would  receive  no  guests  until 
12  o’clock. 

Klaus  was  staggered  for  a moment,  but  when 
he  thought  it  over  he  discovered  that  that  was 
very  proper.  Indeed,  he  was  much  pleased  that 
Kathi  had  entered  into  her  new  position  with  such 
dignity  and  propriety.  He  took  advantage  of  the 
interval  to  secure  a box  for  the  benefit  that  night, 
and  dispatched  a line  to  Leo  making  an  appoint- 
ment for  supper  afterward. 

Kathi  looked  bewitching  in  a simple,  but  ele- 
gant, morning  gown,  with  her  hair  most  becom- 
ingly dressed  by  the  artistic  friseur. 

Klaus  took  her  in  his  arms  and  kissed  her  as 
though  they  had  not  met  for  years.  She  was  in 
the  gayest  of  spirits,  and  showed  him  how  beau- 
tifully she  had  arranged  everything,  and  scolded 
a little  over  the  tardiness  of  one  or  two  shopmen. 

“Will  you  not  lunch  with  me?”  she  asked, 
without  any  appearance  of  jesting.  Klaus 
accepted  humbly,  and  Kathi  rang  and  gave  her 
orders  to  the  waiter. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


87 


During  the  meal,  which  they  both  discussed 
with  good  appetites  and  good  humor,  Klaus 
handed  her  the  tickets  for  the  evening. 

“How  very  vexatious,”  she  said.  “My  gowns 
won’ t be  here  until  to-morrow  morning.  I have 
nothing  to  wear!  I can  not  possibly  go  to-night. ’ ’ 

“I  am  very  sorry  to  hear  that,”  said  Klaus,  puz- 
zled. “You  just  showed  me  a couple  of  beauti- 
ful gowns  in  your  wardrobe  there;  you’d  look 
lovely  in  either  of  them.” 

“Oh,  but  those  are  street  gowns.  Ah!  I see 
you  don’t  understand  anything  about  women’s 
dress,  my  dear,”  she  added,  laughing  and  shak- 
ing her  finger  at  him. 

It  had  only  taken  twenty-four  hours  to  make 
Kathi,  with  her  one  simple  sailor  frock,  under- 
stand the  difference  between  promenade  and 
evening  costumes. 

“I  am  very  sorry,”  said  Klaus;  “ all  the  more 
so  as  I had  sent  Leo  an  invitation  to  join  us  at 
supper  afterward.” 

“Tell  me,”  said  Kathi,  while  she  cut  the  meat 
from  the  chicken  wing  with  great  skill,  ‘ ‘ tell 
me,  do  you  care  very  much  about  this  Herr  Leo 
Schneider?  ” 

“Care  very  much?  No!  He’s  an  old-time  ac- 
quaintance, who  has  always  been  courteous  to  me, 
and  with  whom  I have  had  some  pleasant  inter- 
course— nothing  more,  nothing  less.” 


88 


ME.  AMD  MES.  BEWEE. 


‘ ‘ To  speak  frankly,  he  does  not  please  me  at  all. 
He’s  too  great  a gossip.  Then,  he’s  a creature 
always  bubbling  over  with  a species  of  good- 
humor  which  is  particularly  abhorrent  to  me. 
You  understand  what  I mean — his  whole  manner 
smacks  of  condescension.  Grood  Lord!  and  who 
is  this  Herr  Leo  Schneider?  And  why  does  he 
speak  to  me  as  if  I were  a creature  from  a lower 
world?” 

“I  didn’t  fancy  his  mode  of  addressing  you, 
myself.  But  you  must  not  be  too  hard  on  him. 
It’s  only  his  theatrical  manner.” 

“ Oh,  no  it  isn’t!  None  of  the  people  I’ve  ever 
met  had  it,”  said  Kathi,  in  the  pert  manner  of 
the  provincial  actress.  “Just  write  him  and  say 
you  won’t  be  able  to  meet  him.  Two  is  much 
better  company  than  three.  Don’ t you  think  so?  ’ ’ 

“Just  as  you  say,”  said  Klaus,  taking  her  little 
hand  and  pressing  it  affectionately.  He  gazed  at 
her  for  a moment  without  speaking.  How  beau- 
tiful she  was.  Lovely  as  a picture!  “Kathi,” 
he  said,  in  a changed  tone,  “have  you  thought 
anything  about  procuring  the  necessary  papers? 
It  is  foolish  for  us  to  lose  any  time.” 

“What  papers?  ” asked  Kathi  indifferently. 

“Why,  the  papers  which  will  be  wanted  at  the 
marriage  ceremony.  I think  a certificate  of  bap- 
tism and  your  father’s  consent  will  be  all  that 
will  be  required.” 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


89 


“Yes,  I see,”  said  Kathi,  in  her  careless  way. 

The  scales  had  fallen  from  her  eyes.  All  which 
had  seemed  so  wonderful  and  mysterious  yester- 
day was  now  quite  clear.  She  had  completely 
mastered  the  strange  emotions  within  her.  She 
said  to  herself  that  she  would  reveal  nothing, 
would  show  neither  surprise  nor  excitement  for 
the  future.  Yes,  she  would  marry  this  blonde- 
haired giant;  he’d  make  as  good  a husband  as 
another.  For,  of  course,  he  meant  marriage  or 
he  would  not  have  mentioned  the  papers.  But  if 
he  did  not  mean  marriage!  Should  she  tolerate 
his  presence,  allow  him  to  breakfast  with  her, 
walk  with  her,  compromise  her  by  their  appear- 
ing so  publicly  together?  She  felt  the  time  to 
speak  had  come. 

“Yes,  I have  been  thinking  much  about  the 
papers,”  she  began.  “But  I have  also  thought 
it  was  your  duty  to  procure  them.  You  must 
write  to  my  father  yourself.  I have  been  just  a 
little  hurt,”  her  voice  had  a grieved  tone  here, 
“not  much,  but  just  a little  bit,  that  you  have 
not  spoken  to  me  of  my  father  before;  why,  you 
have  not  even  asked  for  his  address.” 

“You  are  right,  child.  I have  only  thought 
of  you — of  you  and  none  other.  I will  write  to 
him  at  once — to-day.  I wrote  to  my  own  peo- 
ple last  night  of  our  betrothal.” 

Klaus  then  told  Kathi  all  about  his  own  family, 


90 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


and  the  girl  listened  to  his  account  with  unfeigned 
interest.  She  was  especially  pleased,  she  said, 
to  learn  that  her  future  sister  was  a pastor’s  wife, 
a good  religious  woman.  She  asked  Klaus  many 
questions  concerning  her,  and  regretted  that  he 
could  tell  her  so  little;  also  that  “sister  Elise” 
lived  so  far  away. 

After  lunch,  Klaus  waited  in  the  salon  while 
she  arrayed  herself  for  a promenade.  When  she 
appeared  in  the  door  in  her  new  and  very  becom- 
ing walking  dress,  with  a coquettish  hat  perched 
on  the  top  of  her  head,  he  was  fairly  radiant  with 
joy,  and  gave  free  expression  to  his  ecstasy. 
Kathi  was  beaming,  too,  and  left  the  room  on  his 
arm  in  a very  contented  frame  of  mind.  In  the 
hotel  lobby  she  stopped  to  look  at  a huge  frame 
of  photographs;  among  the  pictures  she  recog- 
nized many  of  her  friends  “in  the  profession,” 
as  she  explained  to  Klaus. 

“Do  I really  please  you  to-day?”  she  said,  as 
they  walked  along.  For  answer  Klaus  looked 
down  at  her  lovingly  and  pressed  her  arm. 
“Then  let  us  go  and  have  our  photographs  taken 
together.  We  can  send  one  to  Elise  at  Husum, 
and  one  to  my  father  also.” 

So,  arm  in  arm,  they  went  to  the  photogra- 
phers. 


CHAPTER  V. 


In  a dark,  gloomy  waiting-room,  adjoining  the 
magistrate’s  office  on  Mittelstrasse,  sat  eight  per- 
sons— a poorly  clad  woman  of  abont  forty,  waiting 
patiently,  with  tear-dimmed  eyes  and  pallid 
cheeks,  to  tell  of  the  death  of  her  child;  a yonng 
rosy-cheeked  department  clerk,  who  came  to 
announce  the  birth  of  a son;  over  near  the  only 
window  sat  Kathi,  dressed  in  a simple  but  elegant 
brown  silk  gown;  Klaus,  who  stood  by  her,  wore 
a dark  suit,  with  frock-coat,  and  looked  unusually 
well.  Leo  Schneider  was  attired  in  a dress  suit, 
with  a white  silk  tie,  just  as  he  had  appeared  in  a 
society  play  the  previous  evening.  Near  him 
stood  a delicate,  fair-haired  man  of  thirty  or  there- 
abouts, with  gold-rimmed  spectacles.  He  wore  a 
spick  and  span  new  frock-coat,  with  unusually 
long  skirts,  which  fitted  him  very  badly.  This  was 
Dr.  Gottlieb  Bewer,  who  had  arrived  in  Berlin  the 
previous  day  in  order  to  be  present  at  his  brother’s 
marriage  on  this,  the  31st  of  August,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  1878. 

Somewhat  distant  from  this  group,  but  near 
enough  to  show  she  belonged  to  them,  sat  Frau 

(91) 


92 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWEE. 


Milcke,  her  face  wreathed  in  smiles.  She  had 
received  information  of  the  joyful  event  through 
her  daughter  Augusta,  who  now  stood  beside  her, 
and  who  had  been  in  Fraulein  Sclione’s  service  for 
the  past  three  weeks.  She  had  not  been  pleased 
to  hear  that  the  young  folks  would  not  be  married 
in  church.  “People  must  have  some  kind  of 
religion  ’ ’ was  one  of  her  favorite  maxims.  At  the 
same  time  she  did  not  refuse  to  act  as  a witness 
when  requested  so  to  do. 

The  door  opened. 

“HerrBewer  comes  next,  I believe,”  said  an 
official  politely,  “and  the  witnesses.” 

The  four  entered  the  adjoining  room  followed 
by  Frau  Milcke  and  Augusta. 

While  the  officer  was  going  through  the  formal- 
ities, and  filling  up  the  necessary  papers,  those 
concerned  stood  in  absolute  silence.  Leo  looked 
indifferent  and  handsome.  Klaus  was  deeply 
moved;  he  seemed  to  be  newly  aroused  from  the 
clear  sailing  of  the  past  to  the  thought  of  tem- 
pests; yea,  even  the  possibility  of  shipwreck,  in  the 
future.  Even  Kathi  was  moved,  and  when  the 
man  offered  her  the  pen,  and  begged  her  with  a 
polite  bow  to  sign  her  new  name,  the  name  that 
from  this  hour  was  to  be  hers,  her  hand  trembled 
violently,  and  the  flourishes,  which  she  had  been 
practicing  in  her  quiet  moments  for  the  past  fort- 
night, failed  her  at  the  all-important  moment. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


93 


Katherine  Bewer!  As  she  signed  the  name  on  the 
register,  did  she  think  of  it  as  the  profound  and 
laconic  symbol  of  a new  life,  a new  world,  which 
was  beginning  with  this  hour? 

The  magistrate  was  the  first  one  to  offer  his  con- 
gratulations to  the  new  wife.  The  others  pressed 
her  hand,  but  said  little.  Frau  Milcke  sniffled. 

The  little  wedding  breakfast  was  set  in  Kathi’s 
dining-room,  and  a sad  enough  feast  it  was.  In 
vain  were  the  finest  dishes  and  choicest  wines 
set  before  them.  The  four  seemed  wrapped  in  a 
gloom  which  nothing  could  dispel.  Klaus  was  all 
attention  to  his  young  bride.  Gottlieb  was  a bash- 
ful, retiring  man,  who  had  never  yet  contributed 
to  the  gaiety  of  any  company  in  which  he  had 
been  placed.  Leo,  after  his  first  joke,  which  had 
not  raised  the  ghost  of  a smile,  turned  his  atten- 
tion to  the  viands  without  any  further  attempt  to 
enliven  the  company.  The  two  witnesses  at  the 
side  table  ate  heartily  and  drank  freely.  Leo,  who 
was  a poet  on  occasion,  and  who  was  noted  for  his 
happy  sallies  in  toasts  and  after-dinner  speeches, 
bad  had  some  thought  of  immortalizing  him- 
self by  a little  poetic  effusion  in  honor  of  his  old 
friend’s  wedding  feast.  But  finally  he  had  come 
with  empty  hands.  He  could  think  of  no  good 
word  to  rhyme  with  Sumatra,  and  he  felt  he  lacked 
the  gift  of  eloquence  to  rightly  apostrophize  this 
union  of  poesy  and  prose,  of  art  with  commerce! 


94 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


The  meal  ended  with  as  little  animation  as  it  had 
begun.  Gottlieb,  who  was  enchanted  with  the 
beauty  and  winning  manners  of  his  new  sister, 
kissed  her  and  pressed  her  hand  warmly  at  parting; 
and  as  he  threw  his  arms  around  Klaus  the  tears 
stood  in  his  eyes.  Leo  kissed  Frau  Bewer’s  little 
hand  with  a great  show  of  deference,  and  energetic- 
ally grasped  the  large  one  of  his  old  friend  as  if 
his  heart  were  too  full  for  utterance.  Then  he 
bowed  himself  out  gracefully.  Frau  Milcke  made 
a series  of  courtesies  and  departed,  too  much  awed 
by  the  big  man  to  give  utterance  to  the  garrulous 
congratulations  which  were  on  her  lips.  Klaus 
and  Kathi  turned  their  backs  on  the  pretty  rooms 
in  Unter  den  Linden  and  started  on  their  honey- 
moon tour. 

The  following  morning  found  the  young  people 
with  Augusta,  who  still  retained  her  place  as  maid, 
established  at  the  Nassau  hof  in  Wiesbaden,  where 
Klaus  had  telegraphed  for  rooms  three  days  pre- 
vious. 

Klaus  was  superlatively  happy.  He  outshone 
himself  in  delicate  and  thoughtful  attentions  to 
his  bride.  It  was  almost  pathetic  to  see  the  great, 
good-natured  fellow,  whose  every  thought  and 
action  was  for  the  well-being  and  pleasure  of  his 
little  wife.  He  never  tired  of  looking  at  the  petite 
figure  and  lovely  face  of  his  new  possession,  or  of 
listening  to  her  musical  voice,  with  its  singular, 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWIiR. 


95 


but  none  less  charming,  dialect.  There  were 
moments  when  he  felt  so  proud  of  her  that  he  was 
tempted  to  shout  for  joy.  Kathi  was  very  pleasant 
and  amiable,  too.  She  had  grown  accustomed  to 
him  and  to  her  position  during  the  past  few  weeks, 
and  it  was  all  very  nice  and  agreeable. 

She  did  not  ask  herself  concerning  the  depth  of 
her  feelings.  This  new  husband  was  dead  in  love 
with  her,  and  she  was  pleased  that  it  was  so — that 
was  all.  He  adored  her,  and  she  had  a feeling  of 
gratitude  for  all  the  benefits  he  bestowed. 

A week  before  her  marriage,  Fraulein  Levini 
had  called  at  the  Hotel  de  Rome  to  see  her,  and 
she  had  exhibited  with  much  pride  her  jewels, 
her  laces,  and  her  smart  gowns;  but  when  the 
prima  donna  had  asked  her  the  pertinent  ques- 
tion, “ But  do  you  love  him?  ” her  answer,  which 
was  a question,  too,  had  been  strictly  truthful. 

“Why  should  I not?  He  buys  me  everything  I 
can  think  of  under  the  sun.” 

“And  are  you  quite  happy?”  Kathi  had 
responded  once  more  with  an  interrogative: 

“How  can  you  ask  such  a question?  Don’t  I 
tell  you  he  showers  gifts  on  me.” 

She  was  quite  contented,  and,  as  long  as  she  had 
shopping  to  do,  life  was  very  pleasant;  but,  dur- 
ing the  last  few  days  before  her  marriage,  time 
hung  heavily  on  her  hands.  Klaus’s  continual 
visits  grew  very  monotonous,  for  he  was  anything 


96 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEK. 


but  an  enlivening  conversationalist.  All  he  ever 
said  was  that  she  was  lovely,  or  that  he  loved  her 
beyond  belief,  or  that  he  was  supremely  happy. 

She  did  not  confess  it  to  herself,  but  still  she 
felt  that  in  her  former  life  there  had  been  con- 
stant change  and  variety.  At  the  Walhalla  the 
unexpected  was  happening;  something  new,  even 
if  not  always  pleasant,  was  forever  occurring. 
Even  the  quarrel  with  Levini,  in  the  alley  at  the 
back  of  the  theater,  had  been  exciting — and  she 
thought  with  satisfaction  how  she  had  come  off 
victor  in  that  war  of  words.  Then  there  were 
supper  parties  arranged  for  nearly  every  evening 
in  the  week,  and  at  these  she  was  continually  see- 
ing new  faces. 

Now,  one  day  was  just  like  the  other.  Even 
the  presents,  which  came  with  clock-like  regular- 
ity, soon  seemed  part  of  the  day’s  programme. 
Nothing  really  and  truly  exciting  ever  happened. 

She  engaged  a companion,  as  Klaus  desired, 
but  she  only  kept  the  young  woman,  a well-edu- 
cated daughter  of  a city  official,  three  days. 
Kathi  said  she  had  no  fault  to  find  with  her,  she 
was  everything  she  claimed  to  be,  but  she  was  a 
dull,  poky  Berliner,  so  at  the  end  of  three  days 
Kathi  paid  her  a week’s  salary,  and  gave  her  a 
parting  blessing  with  a sigh  of  relief.  Then  she 
engaged  the  seventeen-year-old  daughter  of  her 
former  landlady,  Augusta  Milcke,  and  with  her 


ME.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


97 


she  was  well  pleased.  She  could  gossip  with 
Glustel  much  better  than  with  Klaus  himself. 
They  were  of  the  same  station  in  life,  had 
breathed — the  one  in  Vienna,  the  other  in  Berlin — 
the  same  atmosphere.  Kathi  confided  to  Gustel, 
the  morning  of  her  marriage,  that  she  was  glad 
this  tiresome  life  at  the  Hotel  de  Rome  was  over, 
at  any  rate.  So  Wiesbaden  was  an  agreeable 
change. 

When  the  young  couple  appeared  on  the  prom- 
enade after  dinner,  or  sauntered  through  the 
park,  listening  to  the  music,  they  attracted  much 
attention.  One  of  the  numerous  idlers  who  waste 
their  time  in  Wiesbaden,  investigating  the  his- 
tory of  the  latest  new-comer,  discovered  that  the 
broad-shouldered,  fair-haired  man  was  an  Ameri- 
can millionaire,  Mr.  Bewer  by  name,  who,  with 
his  wife,  the  faultlessly  attired  brunette,  was 
traveling  through  Europe.  The  ladies  whom  they 
met  took  special  note  of  the  enormous  diamonds 
which  Kathi  wore  in  her  ears. 

All  this  was  manna  to  Kathi’ s soul.  To  be  the 
object  of  so  much  curiosity,  and,  naturally,  of  so 
much  envy,  delighted  her  beyond  measure,  and 
she  was,  as  a return  for  all  these  favors,  conspic- 
uously affectionate  toward  Klaus. 

The  second  evening  after  their  arrival  there  was 
a great  festival,  commemorative  of  the  battle  of 
Sedan.  The  park  and  streets  were  illuminated. 


98  ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 

there  were  fireworks,  and  finally  there  was  a great 
ball  in  the  Kursaal. 

Klaus,  who  had  no  wish  to  deny  Kathi  any- 
thing, took  her  to  the  ball.  For  himself,  he  was 
out  of  his  element  in  a dancing  room;  he  knew 
nothing  but  a polka,  and  couldn’t  even  keep  time 
to  that  very  well. 

As  they  had  attracted  attention  in  the  after- 
noon in  the  park,  so  they  were  the  cynosure  of 
all  eyes  in  the  ball-room.  Scarcely  had  they 
taken  their  places,  when  a number  of  officers,  who 
had  come  over  from  Mainz  and  Kassel  for  the 
dance,  petitioned  the  ball  manager  to  present 
them  to  Klaus,  of  whom  they  immediately  asked 
permission  to  dance  with  his  charming  wife. 
Kathi  was  a perfect  dancer,  and,  as  is  the  case 
with  all  good  dancers,  dearly  loved  it.  Klaus 
pressed  her  handkerchief  and  fan  involuntarily 
to  his  lips  as  he  watched  her,  his  own  lovely  wife 
— his  wife,  who  was  a thousand  times  lovelier  than 
any  other  woman  in  the  room — go  whirling  past 
him  in  the  arms  of  a slender  lieutenant.  The 
dance  was  over.  The  officer  brought  his  fair  part- 
ner back  to  her  husband  and  bowed  low  as  he  ex- 
pressed his  thanks.  A comrade  was  behind  him, 
waiting  to  beg  for  a similar  favor,  when  Kathi 
turned  around  suddenly  and  exclaimed,  in  a sur- 
prised tone: 

“ Why,  it’s  Baron  Albersdorff!  ” 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BE  WEE. 


99 


“What  did  you  say?”  asked  Klaus,  who  had 
not  understood  her  half-surprised  exclamation. 

“ I didn’t  say  anything,”  she  answered. 

Almost  immediately  a cavalry  officer  stepped 
up  to  Klaus  and  introduced  himself  as: 

“ Baron  von  Albersdorff.” 

“ My  name  is  Bew&r.” 

“Will  you  have  the  goodness  to  present  me  to 
your  wife?” 

“ Baron  von  Albersdorff  wishes  to  be  introduced 
to  you— my  wife.” 

“May  I look  at  your  programme,  my  dear 
madam?  I am  fortunate  in  finding  a vacant  place. 
With  your  permission — my  heartfelt  thanks — I 
have  the  honor.” 

With  a deferential  bow,  the  baron  left  them. 

Albersdorff!  Klaus  felt  sure  he  had  heard  the 
name  before.  But  where  had  he  heard  it?  There 
was  something  unpleasant  connected  with  it;  he 
felt  certain  of  that.  Albersdorff!  Hadn’t  Kathi 
mentioned  a name  which  sounded  like  that  just  a 
moment  ago,  and  then  refused  to  repeat  it? 

A new  waltz  began,  and  a new  partner  carried 
Kathi  off  once  more.  Her  husband  held  her  hand- 
kerchief and  fan  as  before,  and  Kathi  danced  like 
a fairy,  but  for  some  reason  this  second  dance 
gave  him  no  pleasure.  He  looked  for  the  baron 
among  the  dancers,  and  found  him  without  diffi- 
culty. He  felt  certain  he  had  never  seen  the  man’ s 


100 


ME.  AND  ME8.  BEWEE. 


face  until  to-night;  but  he  had  heard  the  name. 
Where?  Where?  Perhaps  Kathi  could  tell  him. 

His  reflections  were  interrupted  by  his  wife’s 
return.  She  was  warm,  and  reached  for  her  fan 
at  once. 

“Have  you  ever  spoken  to  me  of  a Baron 
Albersdorlf?  I’ve  heard  the  name  some  place, 
but  I can’t  think  where,  and  it  worries  me.” 

“Well,  don’t  worry  me  in  turn,  you  dear,  good 
man,  but  get  me  an  ice.  This  heat  is  unendur- 
able.” 

Klaus  gave  the  order  to  a waiter  who  passed 
them  at  that  moment. 

“Don’t  you  think  you  had  better  take  a rest? 
You  look  exhausted.” 

“ Take  a rest!  Ah,  you  don’t  know  me.  I never 
tire  of  dancing,  never!  The  longer  the  better. 
It’s  only  the  heat  of  the  room.  What  a shame 
it  is  you  can  not  dance!  How  I wish  we  could 
dance  together.  There’s  nothing  finer  in  the 
world  than  a good  waltz.  That’s  one  of  Johann 
Strauss’  s beginning  now.  Isn’ t it  perfect?  ’ ’ 

She  ate  her  ice  slowly  as  she  chatted. 

“I’m  having  such  a heavenly  time!  You’re 
the  dearest,  best  husband  in  all  the  world.  I like 
Wiesbaden;  we’ll  stay  here  a long  time.” 

The  uncomfortable  feeling  which  had  come  over 
Klaus  during  the  last  waltz  was  banished  by 
Kathi’ s gentle,  loving  manner. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


101 


“As  long  as  you  wish,”  he  said  heartily. 

Just  then  another  partner,  a young  lawyer, 
came  to  sue  for  Kathi’s  favor.  Why  were  the 
pauses  so  short,  and  the  dances  so  long,  Klaus 
asked  himself.  There  he  was  again,  with  fan  and 
kerchief,  while  Kathi  was  spinning  round  and 
round  in  a circle  with  a lawyer;  a homely  enough 
man,  too,  who  stepped  on  her  train  at  this  very 
moment.  What  pleasure  could  she  find  in  it  all? 
Wouldn’ t it  be  a hundred  times  nicer  to  be  sitting 
tete-a-tete  in  the  garden,  or  in  one  of  their  large, 
cool  rooms — they  had  seven  of  them — in  the  Nas- 
sauer  Hof?  What  need  had  they  of  company? 
These  lawyers  and  these  officers!  And  this 
Albersdorff! 

Albersdorff ! Who  was  the  man,  anyway? 

“You  must  sit  through  the  next  dance,  just  to 
please  me.  Sweetheart,  you  are  quite  feverish.” 

“Oh,  don’t  say  that,  Klaus;  you  must  not  be 
uneasy  about  me.  I’m  all  right.  I’ve  told  you 
before  I could  dance  twenty-four  hours  without 
stopping,  and  not  feel  one  bit  fatigued.  The 
people  here  would  get  a fine  idea  of  me  if  I broke 
my  very  first  engagements  with  them.  And  then 
dancing  is  my  greatest  pleasure.” 

She  said  all  this  in  a coaxing,  purring  tone,  and 
pressed  her  arm  against  her  husband’s,  and  gave 
him  a pleading  glance  from  her  lovely  eyes. 

“Does  it  really  give  you  so  much  pleasure?” 
asked  Klaus,  only  half -convinced. 


102 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


Katlii  nodded  her  head  and  gave  her  well- 
beloved  husband  a coquettish  glance;  then  she 
raised  her  fan  before  her  face  and  hummed  a line 
of  the  Viennese  waltz  song,  which  he  had  heard 
her  sing  at  the  Walhalla. 

She  was  certainly  irresistible,  and  her  husband 
was  looking  at  her  with  adoring  eyes,  when  she 
made  a little  moue  at  him,  gave  him  a tap  with 
her  fan,  and  was  off,  before  he  could  speak,  to 
dance  the  waltz-quadrille  with  the  baron. 

He  nodded  after  her  with  a half-dazed  smile,  as 
she  went  away  on  Baron  AlbersdorfFs  arm  to  a 
distant  part  of  the  room. 

“Did  you  recognize  me  at  once?”  asked  Kathi, 
looking  up  into  the  face  of  the  handsome,  well- 
built,  pleasant  officer. 

“ At  the  first  glance.” 

“And,  naturally,  you  told  your  comrades  of 
your  discovery?” 

“ Haven’t  breathed  it  to  a soul.” 

“ Is  that  true?” 

“I  give  you  my  word.  I’ve  only  been  in  com- 
mand here  three  days,  and  consequently  have  but 
a slight  acquaintance  with  any  of  them.  You  can 
rely  on  my  discretion,  absolutely;  so  do  not  be 
uneasy.” 

“ I believe  you.  Have  you  and  Levini  had  a 

fuss?” 

“Oh,  dear,  no!  I hold  her  in  as  high  esteem 
now  as  ever.” 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


103 


A figure  in  the  quadrille  here  interrupted  their 
conversation,  but  the  thread  was  taken  up  when- 
ever opportunity  offered. 

“And  how  does  Prince  Strusa  get  on?”  asked 
Kathi. 

“Excellently.  I thank  you  for  inquiring,” 
answered  the  baron  promptly. 

“ Levini  told  me  how  furious  he  was  that  even- 
ing—you  know — when  I did  not  come.  He’s  over 
it  by  this  time,  though.  He  knows  I’m  married.” 

“Yes,  he’s  over  it.  He’s  fully  reconciled  by 
this  time,”  answered  the  baron  cheerfully. 

“That’s  good.  Who’s  he  devoting  himself  to 
now?  ” 

“As  far  as  I know,  he  is  basking  in  the  favor 
of  your  successor  at  the  Walhalla,  that  pretty  lit- 
tle thing,  Toni  Semmer.” 

“ What,  that  little  fool?  I know  her  very  well. 
We  were  engaged  together  at  Klausenburg. 
Blonde  Toni  and  the  dark  Strusa!  They’re  well 
suited  to  one  another.  The  prince  was  an  awful 
bore.” 

“Now  you’ve  gratified  your  curiosity,  tell  me 
how  it  goes  with  you.  How  does  life  please  you 
as  a married  woman?” 

“Very  well,  indeed.  I’ve  made  an  excellent 
match.” 

“ So  I have  heard,  to  my  great  joy.  And  is 
your  husband  jealous?” 


104 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


“How  can  he  be  jealous,  I have  never  given 
him  any  occasion.” 

“ That’s  no  reason  why  he  shouldn’t  be.  He’s 
a handsome  fellow.” 

“Yes,  isn’t  he?  If  he’d  been  as  ill-looking  as 
the  prince  I’d  have  said  ‘no’  very  promptly.” 

“You  are  unkind,  my  dear  madame.  We’ve 
all  spent  a great  many  happy  hours  together.” 

“ Well,  and  what  then?” 

“And  the  prince’s  face  did  not  mar  our  pleas- 
ure then.” 

“Prince  Strusa  and  Toni!  Think  of  them 
together,”  said  Kathi,  quite  unmoved,  and  she 
laughed. 

“Can  I take  you  in  to  supper  now? ” asked  the 
baron,  to  whom  Kathi’ s tone  concerning  the 
prince  was  not  altogether  agreeable. 

“Yes,”  assented  Kathi. 

“Then,  with  your  permission,  we  might  take 
seats  at  once  in  the  supper  room.” 

“Yery  well,”  responded  Kathi. 

“Do  you  think  your  husband  will  object  to 
your  supping  with  me?”  asked  the  baron  sud- 
denly. “I  should  not  like  to  do  anything  to 
spoil  the  good  man’s  evening.  We  had  better 
ask  him  to  join  us.” 

“Don’t  bother  about  him.  I can  twist  him 
around  my  little  finger.” 

“Then  you  are  most  fortunate,”  answered  the 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


105 


baron,  resolving  that  he  would  invite  the  hus- 
band, notwithstanding. 

Kathi  had  found  her  old  vivacious  tone  and 
manner  again  by  this  time,  though  they  had 
seemed  lost  for  the  past  month.  The  baron  had 
neither  said  nor  done  anything  very  remarkable, 
but  he  had  brought  her  old  life,  with  its  interests 
and  variations,  to  her  mind.  How  many  weeks 
had  it  been?  How  long  a time  since  she  was  so 
gay  and  unconcerned?  At  the  same  time  she 
could  not  help  feeling  provoked  that  the  prince 
had  so  soon  consoled  himself,  and  with  Toni,  too! 
Why  couldn’t  Klaus,  such  a good-hearted  man 
as  he  was,  too,  be  lively  and  interesting  like  the 
baron?  He  had  such  a kind  disposition,  and  yet 
he  could  not  gossip.  When  he  had  told  her  he 
loved  her  to  distraction,  that  she  made  him  happy, 
and  that  he  would  always  make  her  so,  his  com- 
municative powers  came  to  an  end.  That  was  all 
very  well,  very  fine  and  proper.  But  it  was  too 
much  of  a good  thing  for  every  day  in  the  week. 
She  wanted  to  hear  about  the  “languid  Toni,”  as 
she  called  her,  and  the  prince;  how  Levini  was 
getting  on  with  her  lovers,  and  about  many  other 
interesting  persons  and  things.  And  yet  he’d 
sit  and  fret  while  she  danced.  Why  didn’t  he 
dance  himself,  and  not  make  eyes  at  her  all  the 
evening. 

“You  are  all  selfish,  every  one  of  you!”  said 


106  ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 

Kathi,  aloud,  supplementing  her  reflections  on 
her  husband’s  character  by  this  abrupt  exclama- 
tion. 

Klaus,  in  the  mean  time,  had  been  watching 
them  closely.  He  had  seen  them  talking  animated- 
ly during  the  breaks  in  the  cotillion,  and  he  had 
noticed  how  happy  Kathi  appeared  to  be.  Now 
a feeling  of  anger  came  over  him  that  she  was 
remaining  away  from  him  so  long  with  this  man 
with  the  fatal  name.  And  again  the  question 
arose,  where  had  he  heard  the  name  of  Albers- 
dorff?  Kathi  must  have  mentioned  it;  she  had 
evaded  his  question,  and  now  she  was  chatting  to 
the  man  like  an  old  acquaintance.  He  could  see 
her  laugh  heartily,  while  he,  tired  and  impatient, 
sat  holding  her  fan  and  handkerchief.  He  had 
drawn  a different  picture  of  the  first  evenings  of 
their  married  life.  And  now  his  wife  seemed 
unconscious  of  his  very  presence.  All  her  atten- 
tion was  given  to  the  ceaseless  babble  of  a cavalry 
officer. 

Albersdorff!  Klaus  gave  a sudden  start  and 
pressed  his  lips  tightly  together.  That  was  the 
name  of  the  officer  who  was  to  take  Levini  to  the 
Italian  feast  to  which  Kathi  had  been  bidden. 
And  now  she  was  dancing  with  him  two  days 
after  her  marriage! 

Klaus  could  hardly  restrain  himself.  He  felt 
himself  grow  cold  around  the  heart.  A sudden 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEK. 


107 


oppression  came  over  him,  and  he  wiped  the  great 
beads  of  perspiration  off  his  forehead. 

“I  will  not  be  jealous.  God  help  me!  I will 
not  be  jealous!  ” he  said,  in  a low  tone. 

The  baron  now  brought  Frau  Bewer  back  to 
her  place,  and  remained  for  some  time  talking 
beside  her  chair.  Then  he  turned  to  her  husband, 
and  said  in  a polite  tone: 

‘ ‘ Madame,  your  wife,  tells  me  that  you  sup  here 
this  evening;  may  I take  the  liberty  of  asking 
you  to  join  me?  ” 

“It  would  be  a great  honor,  Herr  Baron,” 
answered  Klaus,  “but  I fear  it  is  too  late.” 

“But,  Klaus!  ” exclaimed  Kathi  sulkily. 

“It  is  really  too  late,  dear  child,”  responded 
Klaus  gently,  but  very  decidedly.  “You  amuse 
yourself  and  think  of  nothing  else.  That  is  quite 
natural  at  your  age.  But  i am  much  older  and 
must  be  sensible  for  both.  I am  sorry  if  I disap- 
point you,  but  1 think  it  wiser  for  your  health.” 

“Herr  Bewer  is  quite  right,  my  dearmadame,” 
the  baron  hastened  to  interrupt,  for  he  saw 
Kathi’ s feathers  were  ruffled  the  wrong  way. 
“ You  are  to  be  here  for  some  time,  I presume.  I 
shall,  therefore,  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you 
again,  doubtless  on  the  promenade.  I come  over 
from  Mainz  very  frequently.  My  dear  madame — 
Herr  Bewer — I have  the  honor.”  And  with  a 
bow  the  baron  turned  on  his  heel. 


108 


MK.  AND  MRS.  BEWEE. 


“ Well,”  said  Katlii,  in  a sharp  tone. 

“Come,  my  dear  child,  it  is  time.  Come,  to 
please  me.” 

“You  are  unbearable!  ” exclaimed  Kathi. 

Klaus  was  quite  staggered  by  these  words; 
they  came  like  a blow  in  the  face.  Thejr  were  the 
first  unkind  ones  he  had  ever  heard  her  utter — 
and  this  was  the  second  day  of  their  married  life 
together!  He  could  say  nothing  but  “ Kathi!  ” 

She  uttered  no  word  further  as  they  threaded 
their  way  through  the  brilliantly  lighted  corridor. 
She  took  Klaus’  s arm  back  to  the  hotel  and  en- 
tered her  own  well  lighted  salon,  still  without 
speaking. 

“Kathi,”  said  Klaus,  with  a world  of  love  in 
his  reproving  tones,  “ do  be  reasonable.” 

“Leave  me  alone,”  she  answered,  in  a whimp- 
ering tone.  She  went  to  her  room,  where  the 
sleepy  Gfustel  was  waiting,  and  shut  the  door 
with  a slam. 

She  felt  the  necessity  of  hiding  the  real  state  of 
the  case  from  her  inquisitive  handmaiden,  at  the 
same  time  she  must  vent  her  ill  feeling  on  some 
one,  so  she  scolded  the  girl  well  for  her  awkward- 
ness and  stupidity.  The  philosophical  Gustel 
took  it  all  as  a matter  of  course. 

Klaus  remained  alone  with  his  troublesome 
thoughts.  He  sat  a long  time  without  arriving  at 
any  satisfactory  conclusion.  He  only  knew  his 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


109 


heart  was  sad  within  him.  Suddenly  he  rose  and 
stepped  quickly  into  the  bedroom.  It  was 
empty.  A great  horror  seized  him.  He  hastened 
to  Kathi’s  dressing-room.  She  had  thrown  her- 
self down  on  a couch,  in  her  nightgown,  with  only 
a light  shawl  for  covering,  and  was  sleeping 
soundly  and  peacefully.  Klaus  stood  over  her 
and  shook  his  head. 

“She  is  a defiant  child,”  he  said  to  himself. 
“But  only  a child  after  all,”  he  added  forgiv- 
ingly. 

He  sat  down  opposite  her  and  watched  her  for  a 
long  time,  and  rejoiced  that  she  could  sleep  so 
quietly  and  deeply.  How  lovely  she  was  in  her 
slumbers — how  lovely  and  gentle. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


“Kathi,”  said  Klaus,  as  they  sat  opposite  one 
another  at  breakfast  the  next  morning,  “such  a 
scene  as  we  went  through  last  night  must  never 
be  repeated.  We  must  not  vex  each  other;  we 
are  married,  and  have  promised  to  gladden  one 
another’s  lives,  but  not  to  sadden  them.  We 
must,  in  consequence,  consider  well  the  first 
weeks  of  married  life,  that  we  may  tread  the  self- 
same path,  and  not  allow  slight  differences  to  part 
us.  It’s  easy  to  start  wrong,  and  if  a man  goes 
one  way  and  his  wife  another,  unhappiness  is  sure 
to  follow.  W e must  never  forget  that  our  interests 
are  one;  and  while  we  may  have  many  differences 
of  opinion — how  could  it  be  otherwise — still  such 
differences  should  never  result  in  quarrels,  or  even 
misunderstandings.  It  was  no  light  matter  for 
me  to  refuse  you  last  night.  You  had  danced  too 
much  already.  You  were  greatly  excited — more 
so  than  I had  ever  seen  you  before,  and  it  was 
owing  to  this  feverish  excitement  that  you  spoke 
so  unkindly  to  me,  I am  sure.  And  then,  and 
mainly,  it  was  very  disagreeable  for  me  to  have 

you  meet  and  talk  with  an  acquaintance  of  your 

(110) 


MR.  AMD  MRS.  BEWER. 


Ill 


former  life.  You  can  easily  understand  that. 
About  that  old  life  I shall  never  breathe  a syllable 
that  shall  vex  you,  but  I want  to  be  reminded  of 
it  as  little  as  possible.  Now  let  us  think  no  more 
about  it,  and  I will  not  be  cross  with  you.  You 
and  I have  many  pleasures  in  life  before  us.  Give 
me  your  hand,  my  dear.” 

During  his  long  speech  Kathi  made  no  attempt 
to  interrupt  him.  She  sat  listlessly  gazing  at  the 
figured  damask  table-cover.  Her  face  was  utterly 
devoid  of  expression.  It  was  neither  sad  nor 
defiant,  nor  distressed,  nor  reconciliatory.  Apa- 
thetically she  extended  her  hand  at  her  husband’s 
bidding,  now,  without  returning  its  pressure. 

“Have  you  nothing  to  say  to  me?”  he  asked, 
after  a long  pause. 

“Nothing!  When  I’m  out  of  humor  I never 
can  say  anything,”  said  his  wife. 

“ But  you  should  not  be  out  of  humor,  child!  ” 

Klaus  drew  her  down  beside  him,  and  tried  to 
convince  her  that  her  ill-humor  was  groundless. 
She  let  him  talk,  but  gave  him  neither  “yea” 
nor  “nay.”  Perhaps  she  hardly  understood 
him.  Klaus  generalized  too  much  for  her  lim- 
ited comprehension.  She  never  went  beyond 
positives.  She  knew  what  a new  toilet  signified,  a 
journey,  a ball,  a supper  with  Levini,  but  when 
Klaus  discoursed  on  the  responsibilities  of  mar- 
ried life,  on  duty  and  conduct  for  the  future,  he 


112 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


got  beyond  her  level,  and  she  was  no  Mend  of 
charades. 

Klaus  had  been  right  when  he  declared  to  Leo, 
the  first  night  of  their  meeting,  that  her  eyes  were 
proof  her  nature  had  not  been  spoiled.  She  was 
by  no  means  a degraded  or  vicious  woman;  she 
was  only  undeveloped.  She  had  grown  up,  as 
best  she  could  in  a depressing  atmosphere,  with 
no  examples  of  a higher  life  before  her  eyes.  No 
earnest  and  noble  thoughts  had  ever  come  into 
her  mind;  all  her  powers  of  reflection  lay  dor- 
mant. Her  father  had  clothed,  fed,  and  sent  her 
to  the  Yolksschule — her  mother  had  been  dead 
for  years — until  she  had  acquired  the  compulsory 
rudimentary  education  required  by  law.  After 
that  she  had  to  do  what  her  hands  could  find  to 
do  to  support  herself,  and  to  rise,  if  possible, 
above  pinching  poverty.  The  only  duty  which 
she  fully  understood  was  that  she  must  fulfill  the 
contracts  which  she  signed,  and  her  one  reason 
for  doing  so  was  that  she  would  lose  her  salary 
otherwise.  Her  personal  charms,  her  inborn 
grace  of  manner,  did  much,  however,  to  conceal 
this  void  in  her  soul.  She  was  a more  than  ordi- 
narily attractive  woman,  and  she  knew  her  power 
well,  and  used  it  with  such  skill  that  it  became  a 
dangerous  weapon  in  her  hands.  If  she  wasn’t 
quite  sure  of  her  ground,  she  would  close  her 
mouth,  and  she  found  the  gift  of  silence,  in  con- 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


113 


junction  with  her  attractive  personality,  accom- 
plished revolutions  which  no  speech  could  have 
done. 

But  to  Klaus,  this  silence  was  worse  than  any 
torture,  and  when  she  stared  straight  ahead,  with 
a vacant,  stolid  look,  he  felt  it  was  more  than  he 
could  endure.  He  was  willing  to  bear  anything, 
willing  to  believe  he  was  unjust,  unkind,  any- 
thing but  to  have  Kathi  sit  with  sealed  lips.  He 
had  not  married  a lifeless  statue.  He  would  do 
anything  he  could,  but  he  would  not  talk  to 
empty  air.  Either  he  was  right  or  he  was  wrong, 
but  she  must  speak  out  and  say  so.  Was  he 
such  a tyrant  that  all  remonstrance  died  on  her 
lips?  Her  silence  implied  that  such  was  the  case, 
but  he  must  have  open  condemnation. 

He  reasoned  with  her,  flew  into  a passion  at 
her  callousness,  as  he  termed  it,  and  said  things 
for  which  he  humbly  apologized  an  hour  later, 
but  all  to  no  purpose.  She  would  never  acknowl- 
edge herself  in  the  wrong;  in  fact,  she  never 
thought  she  was;  and  Klaus,  after  vainly  endeav- 
oring to  convince  her  that  he  was  right,  in  the 
main,  as  to  what  their  future  life  should  be,  and 
as  to  what  it  would  be  if  she  did  not  work  in 
unison  with  him,  would  finally,  with  a sigh, 
abandon  the  attack  until  some  new  folly  or  frib- 
ble seemed  to  make  it  necessary  for  him  to  assume 

once  more  the  aggressive.  He  always  felt 
8 


114 


ME.  AND  ME8.  BEWEB. 


ashamed  of  himself,  too,  she  was  such  an  inno- 
cent, pretty  little  thing,  with  no  one  in  the  wide 
world  but  himself.  What  business  had  he  to 
harangue  such  a child  about  wifely  duty?  She 
was  too  young  to  know  what  the  words  meant. 

Then  when  she  had  twisted  him  around  her 
finger,  as  she  had  boasted  to  the  baron  she  could 
do,  a feeling  of  utter  helplessness  would  confront 
the  poor,  patient  bridegroom  as  he  thought  of 
how  little  he  accomplished  with  all  his  words  of 
wisdom. 

“ And  they  called  me  ‘king’  in  Sumatra,”  he 
said  once,  with  a bitter  laugh. 

Kathi,  who  had  been  silent  at  first  from  sheer 
inability  to  defend  herself,  later,  when  she  found 
what  a power  against  her  husband  her  silence 
was,  made  a point  to  shield  herself  thus  whenever 
he  ventured  upon  any  reproof. 

Those  first  few  weeks  of  married  life  were  joy- 
less in  the  extreme,  but  there  were  some  hours  of 
sunshine  notwithstanding.  Frequently,  after  an 
unpleasant  scene,  Kathi  would  go  to  the  piano, 
and  sing  the  charming  songs  of  her  own  land- 
songs  peculiarly  adapted  to  one  of  her  light,  vari- 
able temperament;  and  Klaus,  great-hearted, 
good-natured  Klaus,  would  forget  all  else,  and 
listen  with  his  very  heart  to  the  sweet  tones  of 
the  voice  he  loved,  rejoicing  within  himself,  the 
while,  that  she  was  his,  all  his.  This  thought 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


115 


consoled  him  for  many  a weary,  oppressive  hour. 
He  told  himself  that  he  had  been  too  rough  with 
her,  he  had  made  a false  start,  and  was  little 
more  than  an  egotistical  brute. 

He  had  lived  too  long  alone  in  Sumatra,  and 
women  and  their  ways  were  an  unopened  book  to 
him.  He  must  improve  his  manners.  Kathi, 
poor  child,  she  had  done  too  much  already.  If 
she  were  different  in  many  respects  from  what  he 
expected  to  find  her,  surely  that  was  not  her 
fault.  He  could  not  expect  the  lark  to  sing  with 
the  nightingale’s  voice. 

“I  must  build  my  house  with  the  materials  I 
have  at  hand.  The  principal  thing  is  to  raise  the 
building,  to  have  thick  walls  and  a good  roof. 
I have  planned  a different  life,  but  it  need  not  be 
a failure  for  all  that.  Kathi  is  not  a bad  nature; 
we  do  not  understand  one  another,  that  is  all. 
We  must  have  patience,  and  learn  to  do  so;  then 
we  shall  be  perfectly  happy.” 

So  argued  Klaus.  He  blamed  himself  for  all 
troubles,  and  always  turned  a deaf  ear  to  the 
question  whether  Kathi  was  not  the  one,  ever  and 
always,  in  fault.  Something  was  wrong,  had 
been  wrong,  from  the  very  beginning,  and  at 
times  the  thought  would  overpower  him  that  no 
matter  how  thick  the  walls,  or  weather-proof  the 
roof,  his  house  was  built  upon  sand.  He  would 
put  the  wretched  thought  from  him,  and  declare, 


116 


MB.  AMD  MBS.  BEWEB. 


for  the  hundredth  time,  that  he,  and  he  alone,  was 
to  blame. 

It  soon  became  clear  to  him  that  their  first  lit- 
tle quarrel  had  taken  away  all  sympathy  and 
comfort  in  their  intercourse.  There  was  peace 
between  them,  but  no  harmony.  As  a matter  of 
fact  each  lived  a separate  life.  Outwardly  all  was 
as  it  should  be,  but  there  was  really  nothing  in 
common  between  them.  Kathi  could  not  step  out 
of  the  circle  for  which  her  birth  and  rearing  had 
fitted  her,  and  this  circle  differed  greatly  from 
that  within  whose  limits  Klaus  had  been  edu- 
cated. The  old  Ltibeck  banker  had  been  a man  of 
austere  life  and  strict  morals,  and  the  memory  of 
old  times,  of  his  boyhood’s  home,  was  ever  before 
his  son  in  those  early  days  of  marriage.  It  was 
incomprehensible  to  Kathi  that  Klaus  wished 
certain  alterations  in  her  conduct  or  manner,  and 
was  so  captious  concerning  harmless  deceptions 
which  she  had  practiced  all  her  life.  She  took 
the  little  seasons  of  strife  much  less  tragically 
thamher  husband.  It  never  for  a moment  entered 
her  head  that  she  was  the  one  to  blame.  But  she 
was  not  happy.  True,  the  man  at  her  side  loved 
her  with  his  whole  heart,  and  gave  her  all  the  ma- 
terial comforts  and  luxuries  which  money  could 
buy,  but  she  confessed  to  herself,  over  and  over 
again,  she  was  much  happier  in  Frau  Milcke’s 
stuffy  little  room,  where  she  could  have  half 


ME.  AMD  MBS.  BE  WEE. 


117 


a dozen  different  admirers  in  as  many  days.  Now, 
she  was  wearied  to  death.  Twenty-fonr  hours, day 
after  day,  with  the  same  man— that  was  a little 
too  much!  Would  she  have  to  endure  it  forever? 
Other  women  had  husbands  who  went  off  to  their 
business  for  the  entire  day,  which  gave  the  wives 
an  opportunity  to  come  and  go  a little  themselves, 
and  a chance  for  daily  gossip  with  their  neigh- 
bors. She  knew  no  women,  and  had  no  friends 
whom  she  could  entertain  for  a quiet  hour  in  her 
own  handsome  apartments.  She  had  only  her 
own  husband,  who,  God  have  mercy  on  her,  had 
nothing  to  do  but  bestow  his  company  on  her  all 
day  long.  And  he  certainly  did  annoy  her  con- 
tinually with  all  his  remarkable  notions.  She 
never  sat  down  for  a quiet  hour  alone  but  he 
intruded  himself  upon  her,  and  either  made  love 
to  her,  or  began  one  of  his  prosy  homilies,  which 
almost  set  her  crazy. 

Klaus,  who  took  Kathi  into  his  confidence  con- 
cerning all  his  business  affairs,  was  not  a little 
surprised  at  the  interest  she  manifested  in  every- 
thing connected  with  Sumatra.  The  liquidation 
of  his  Eastern  business  was  a much  more  weari- 
some matter  than  he  had  expected.  The  last 
mail  had  brought  him  a letter  from  his  cautious 
and  trustworthy  manager,  in  which  the  latter  said 
that  he  dared  not  take  the  responsibility  of  carry- 
ing out,  to  the  letter,  Herr  Bewer’s  hastily  given 


118 


MR.  AMD  MRS.  BEWER. 


instructions;  his  conscience,  as  a man  of  business, 
forbade  it.  Great  losses  would  follow  on  imme- 
diate retirement  from  business,  all  of  which  could 
be  avoided  if  more  time  was  taken.  He  there- 
fore begged  Herr  Bewer’s  permission  for  time, 
and  also  to  be  allowed  to  use  his  own  judgment 
in  such  complications  as  must  be  acted  upon  at 
once.  But  above  all  things  he  wanted  time;  one 
year  or  two,  if  necessary.  If  such  was  allowed 
him,  he  would  guarantee  there  would  be  no  loss. 

Klaus  wrote  his  manager,  giving  him  full  per- 
mission to  use  his  own  judgment,  and  to  keep  him 
posted  as  to  every  turn  in  the  affairs.  It  pleased 
the  husband  greatly  to  find  his  wife  so  interested 
in  his  business.  It  proved  to  him  that  she  was 
beginning  to  feel  that  their  interests  were  one. 

“ Who  knows,”  said  Kathi,  with  an  earnest 
shake  of  the  head,  as  she  sat  down  on  her  hus- 
band’ s knee,  ‘ ‘ but  what  it  would  be  better  for  you 
to  go  yourself,  to  see  that  everything  is  as  it 
should  be.” 

“But  child,”  Klaus  answered,  with  a good- 
natured  laugh.  “You  have  not  thought  what  a 
long,  hard  journey  it  would  be  for  you  to  take.” 

No,  Kathi  had  not  thought  of  that. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


The  autumn  had  come  and  gone.  The  young 
pair,  after  a delightful  trip  through  South  Ger- 
many, after  carrying  out  numerous  projects  and 
abandoning  others,  decided  to  take  up  their  resi- 
dence in  Berlin.  Klaus  had  thought  of  Berlin  as 
a possible  future  home,  even  before  their  mar- 
riage, and  had  decided  upon  a charming  little 
house  in  Hildebrandtstrasse.  So  when  Kathi, 
during  her  stay  in  Rome,  was  seized  with  a house- 
wifely fever,  Klaus  immediately  empowered  Leo 
to  purchase  the  house  which  he  had  already 
selected,  and  also  instructed  his  friend  to  make 
any  alterations  or  improvements  which  he  con- 
sidered necessary;  above  all,  to  spare  neither 
pains  nor  money  on  the  adornment  and  furnish- 
ing of  Kathi’ s own  rooms. 

In  those  few  weeks  immediately  preceding  their 
settlement  in  their  own  home,  Klaus  was  repeat- 
edly and  agreeably  surprised  by  Kathi’ s interest. 
“Ah,”  he  soliloquized,  “I  do  not  know  her  yet! 
She  is  neither  shallow  nor  selfish.  She  has  no 
thought  for  self,  after  all.  How  little  she  cares 
for  the  comfort  or  garnishing  of  her  own  rooms, 

(119) 


120 


ME.  AMD  MBS.  BEWER. 


but  how  anxious  she  is  concerning  mine!  My 
particular  sanctum  must  contain  everything  that 
can  be  thought  of;  there  must  be  nothing  for- 
gotten, nothing  left  undone!  I must  have 
all  the  requirements  of  an  office,  or,  when  my 
fancy  inclines,  of  a lounging-room,  so  that  I can 
work  unmolested  or  take  my  ease  undisturbed. 
There  is  more  love,  more  gratitude,  in  my  Kathi 
than  I had  thought.” 

Herr  Bewer  had  made  a wise  choice  in  selecting 
Leo  Schneider  to  transform  his  house  into  a 
beautiful  as  well  as  a homelike  dwelling. 
Schneider  had  an  artist’s  eye,  and  worked  with  a 
will  in  the  furtherance  of  his  friend’s  desires,  so 
that  by  the  middle  of  November  the  pretty, 
picturesque  place  in  Hildebrandtstrasse  was 
ready  for  its  owner,  and  a week  later  Herr  and 
Frau  Bewer  entered  in  and  took  possession. 

Kathi  was  as  enthusiastic  as  any  fond  husband 
could  desire  over  the  beauties  and  conveniences 
of  her  new  home.  How  good  he  was!  How 
thoughtful!  and — to  herself — how  rich! 

The  first  weeks  of  home  life  passed  much  more 
quickly  than  the  honeymoon  journey  had  done. 
There  was  so  much  to  arrange,  so  many  pleasant 
little  duties  to  fulfill,  and  then  Herr  Schneider 
made  them  frequent  and  enlivening  visits. 

Kathi  had  judged  him  too  severely,  she  now 
thought.  He  was  a charming,  amiable  creature, 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


121 


after  all.  Then  his  manner  to  herself  had  so 
changed.  He  was  so  respectful,  so  deferential, 
so  anxious  to  hear  her  opinion  on  any  and  every 
subject.  The  words  “gnadige  Frau”  dropped 
from  his  lips  in  such  a natural,  unconstrained 
manner!  But  the  great  charm,  after  all,  was  that 
the  odor  of  the  stage  was  inseparably  connected 
with  him.  It  was  folly  for  her  to  think  he  would 
spoil  Klaus  or  corrupt  him  in  any  way.  On  the 
contrary,  their  intercourse  must  be  encouraged  by 
every  means  in  her  power.  He  must  become — it 
would  take  time  and  caution,  of  course — her  dis- 
creet ally.  He  could  plan  evenings  for  Klaus 
away  from  home;  could  take  him  out  to  supper 
at  Dressel’ s or  anywhere  else  he  chose,  as  long  as 
he  only  took  him  away.  Then,  when  Klaus  had 
grown  accustomed  to  seeking  and  finding  his 
pleasures  away  from  home,  like  other  men,  life 
would  not  only  be  endurable,  but  vistas  of  de- 
light would  open  for  her  at  every  turn;  she  could 
see  and  be  seen  by  her  old  friends  without  a hus- 
band always  at  her  elbow,  and,  who  knows,  per- 
haps have  an  opportunity  to  make  some  new 
acquaintances. 

So  Kathi  had  a little  perspective  of  her  own,  in 
which  the  figure  of  her  husband  had  no  place. 

She  had  not  been  back  in  Berlin  twenty-four  hours 
before  she  was  planning  various  deceptions  which, 
she  argued,  it  would  be  necessary  to  practice  upon 


122 


ME.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


Klaus.  In  the  mean  time  she  was  gracious  and 
amiable  toward  all.  But  markedly  so  toward  the 
director  of  the  Court  Theater. 

All  of  which  made  Klaus  a very  contented  man 
once  more. 

One  morning,  a few  weeks  after  their  establish- 
ment in  Berlin,  he  received  a letter,  which,  in  his 
present  happy  state,  was  most  welcome.  It  was 
from  his  favorite  brother,  Wilhelm,  and  ran  as 
follows: 

Hamburg,  December  18,  1878. 

Crown  Prince  Hotel. 

Dear  Klaus:  I arrived  here  yesterday,  ac- 
companied by  my  wife,  my  two-year-old  son,  and 
a negress  who  is  as  black  as  pitch. 

I shall  only  remain  here  a few  days.  My 
business  demands  my  presence  in  Berlin,  so  we 
shall  go  to  the  capital  about  the  23d.  My  wife’s 
sister,  Bella,  who  has  been  in  a pension  in  Dres- 
den for  the  past  three  years,  will  meet  us  there 
and  spend  the  holidays  with  us,  after  which  she 
is  to  go  back  to  Dresden  to  finish  her  term,  and 
then  return  with  us  to  her  home  in  San  Fran- 
cisco. If  this  letter  finds  you  in  Berlin,  and  it 
is  convenient  and  pleasant  for  your  wife  and 
yourself,  we  will  spend  Christmas  Eve  with  you. 

We  are  delighted  to  think  we  shall  soon  meet 
our  lovely  sister-in-law.  My  wife  has  fallen  in 
love  with  her  photograph,  which  you  sent. 

With  a thousand  greetings, 

Your  affectionate  brother, 

Wilhelm. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


123 


KatM  shared  her  husband’ s joy  in  the  good  news 
which  this  letter  brought.  She  had  not  thought 
to  have  so  gay  a Christmas.  Now  her  beautiful 
home  would  be  of  some  use.  She  could  exhibit 
it  in  all  its  glory  to  her  husband’s  kinsfolk.  She 
would  be  a bona  fide  hostess  at  last!  She  asked 
Klaus  many  questions  concerning  her  sister-in- 
law’s  sister  Bella,  of  whom  neither  she  nor 
Klaus  had  ever  heard  until  they  read  Wilhelm’s 
letter.  Her  husband  could  tell  her  little  except 
that  Wilhelm  had  married  the  daughter  of  a 
wealthy  San  Francisco  merchant,  a man  of  note 
in  those  parts  and  the  president  of  several  very 
prominent  corporations,  and  that  he  had  sent  his 
young  daughter  to  Europe  to  complete  her  educa- 
tion, which  desideratum  having  been  accom- 
plished, she  would  return  soon  to  her  native  land 
with  Wilhelm  and  her  sister. 

Kathi  was  eager  to  have  them  become  her  guests 
during  their  stay  in  Germany,  but  Klaus  ex- 
plained that  his  brother  would  never  consent  to 
such  an  arrangement.  Then  she  declared  she  would 
show  the  Americans  what  a German  Christmas 
meant.  She  would  arrange  everything  without 
any  interference.  She  would  plan  for  their  guests’ 
entertainment,  but  “Klaus  must  not  meddle, 
not  one  bit,  ” with  a saucy  shake  of  her  head. 

A half  hour  later  Kathi  appeared  well  wrapped 
in  furs  and  bonnet.  Klaus  looked  up  in  surprise. 


124 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


“ Where  are  you  going  so  early?”  he  asked. 

“Ah,  that  doesn’t  matter  to  you,”  she  said, 
with  a dazzling  smile.  “It’s  not  good  taste  to  be 
curious  so  near  Christmas.” 

“You  are  but  a child,”  he  said,  smiling. 
“You  will  not  ride  alone,  though?  ” 

“ Gustel  is  going  with  me.” 

“ Very  well!  ” 

Kathi  gave  him  a loving  hug,  and  he  followed 
her  to  the  carriage  to  give  the  coachman  special 
orders  to  drive  carefully. 

His  wife  threw  herself  back  in  the  corner  of  the 
carriage  with  a sigh  of  victory  and  relief,  and 
Gustel  sat  diagonally  opposite  her  mistress. 

For  the  first  time  since  the  day  of  her  betrothal, 
Kathi  had  managed  to  escape  her  husband’s 
escort.  His  constant  presence  was  suffocating  to 
her.  She  might  as  well  be  in  a pension,  if  she 
was  to  have  him  forever  at  her  side  like  a great 
shaggy  dog.  She  now  smiled  broadly  behind  her 
thick  veil  as  she  thought  how  she  had  finally 
eluded  her  keeper. 

“Say,  Gustel,”  she  said  suddenly,  “do  you 
think  Frederick  is  a gossip?  ’ ’ 

“ Coachmen  are  usually  pretty  close-mouthed; 
but  I don’t  know  enough  of  Frederick  to  answer 
for  him.  You  had  better  be  cautious,  however, 
my  lady.” 

“I’d  like  to  see  Levini  once  again,  but  you 


ME.  AND  MKS.  BEWEE. 


125 


know  Herr  Bewer  is  so  peculiar  about  many 
things.  Then  Levini  lives  in  a street  where  there 
are  no  Christmas  shops.  So  if  I go  to  see  her, 
and  my  husband  should  chance  to  ask  Frederick 
where  we  were,  I should  be  lost.  Don’t  you  see?  ” - 

“I  do,  indeed,”  answered  Gustel,  whose  schem- 
ing brain  was  solving  the  difficulty  for  her  mis- 
tress. “If  you  wish  to  see  Fraulein  Levini,  I 
can  write  her  a note,  or  see  her  and  tell  her  to  meet 
you  at  mother’s  to-morrow  afternoon,  for,  of 
course,  you’ll  have  shopping  to  do  every  day  now, 
and  you  can  go  to  my  mother’s  house  in  safety, 
for  if  your  husband  does  hear  of  it,  what’s 
more  natural  than  that  you  should  stop  to  inquire 
about  your  old  landlady,  and  leave  her  a little 
Christmas  gift.  You  can  visit  with  Fraulein 
Levini  as  long  as  you  choose  at  mother’s — or 
with  any  one  else  you  desire.” 

There  was  a careless  but  sinister  insinuation  in 
the  last  words,  which  did  not  disturb  Kathi  in 
the  least — she  was  too  overjoyed  at  her  prudent 
hand-maiden’s  suggestion. 

“That’s  an  excellent  plan,”  she  exclaimed 
excitedly.  “You  can  see  Fraulein  Levini  and 
your  mother  some  time  this  evening  and  arrange 
a meeting  for  to-morrow  afternoon  at  three.” 

“Very  well,  my  lady.  Is  it  really  Fraulein 
Levini  who  I’m  to  tell?”  asked  Gustel  curiously. 

“Certainly,  who  else?”  responded  her  mistress 


126 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


tartly.  “Don’t  get  foolish  notions  in  your 
head.” 

That  day  Kathi  purchased  all  manner  of  use- 
less articles  for  the  two  American  ladies  and  her 
brother-in-law,  and  bought  a wagon-load  of  play 
toys  for  the  little  boy;  about  all  of  which  she 
made  a great  secret,  obstinately  refusing  to  let 
Klaus  know  anything  about  them. 

The  next  day  the  scene  of  the  previous  one  was 
repeated.  Kathi  parted  from  her  husband  gaily 
and  affectionately,  but  as  soon  as  she  was  out  of 
Hildebrandtstrasse  she  ordered  Frederick  to 
drive  to  99  Zimmerstrasse.  Glustel  preceded  her 
mistress  out  of  the  coupe,  and,  after  a cautious 
glance  up  and  down  the  street,  whispered  to  her 
“the  road  is  clear,  gnadige  Frau,”  and  a second 
later  Frau  Bewer  had  entered  the  old  house, 
where  “elegantly  furnished  rooms”  were  still  to 
let. 

It  was  a real  happiness  to  Kathi  to  enter  the 
well-known  hallway  once  more.  It  did  not  seem 
narrow  and  dark  to  her  to-day,  it  seemed  only 
home-like;  and  when  Glustel  opened  the  door  of 
her  old  room,  Kathi  sprang  with  a cry  of  joy  into 
her  former  colleague’s  arms. 

Kathi’ s friendship  for  Victoria  Levini  had 
gained  ground  since  the  days  in  which  they  had 
sung  together,  and  the  Walhalla  prima  donna  was 
much  surprised  at  her  ci-devant  friend’s  hearty 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


127 


greeting,  but  not  to  be  outdone,  she  responded 
with  equal  warmth. 

Kathi  found  her  old  room  changed  a little  for 
the  worse,  but  it  had  a comfortable  look  to  her, 
nevertheless. 

Then  for  a long  hour  the  two  laughed  and  gos- 
siped together  with  a freedom  from  restraint 
which  was  manna  to  Kathi’ s soul. 

“ And  so  our  little  blonde  Toni  is  not  a favor- 
ite? I’m  not  surprised.  How  could  she  be?  ” 

“She  can’t  hold  a candle  to  you,  my  dear,” 
answered  Victoria  impressively.  She  sings  her 
numbers  in  the  most  lachrymose  tones.  She 
hasn’t  one  bit  of  grace  or  chic.'''1 

“ Of  course  she  hasn’t.  I could  do  it  all  much 
better.” 

“There  is  no  comparison  between  you!  The 
prince  has  often  said  that.  By  the  way,  he  fre- 
quently inquires  after  you.” 

“Well,  he  need  not  trouble  himself;  he  is  too 
poky.  I told  Baron  Albersdorff  that.  I can  not 
tell  you  what  a surprise  it  was  to  meet  the  baron 
at  a ball.  We  danced  together,  and  my  husband 
was  jealous,  awfully  jealous,  and  wouldn’t  let  us 
take  supper  together.  Can  you  understand  such 
a feeling?  As  if  I couldn’t  have  a chat  with  your 
old  lover!  ” 

“ Does  he  annoy  you  often?  ” 

“Yes,  and  no.  He  is  as  good  as  gold,  but  he 


128 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


doesn’t  understand  what  a jolly  time  means.  He 
buys  me  everything  I want,  and  more  too,  but  I 
get  wearied  to  death  of  such  a humdrum  exist- 
ence. I long  for  the  old  bustle  and  excitement. 
But  only  wait  until  the  beginning  of  the  new 
year,  when  my  visitors  are  gone — I am  expecting 
visitors,  a brother  in-law  and  his  wife;  she  is  the 
daughter  of  one  of  the  presidents  in  America — 
when  they  have  gone,  I shall  manage  a pleasant 
evening  with  you  now  and  then.  Gustel’s  a 
clever  girl,  and  I rely  greatly  on  her.  Now  I 
must  go.  I can  not  annoy  the  coachman  by  stay- 
ing too  long,  and  I have  a little  present  for  Frau 
Milcke.” 

Fraulein  Levini  took  this  opportunity  to  bor- 
row forty  marks  from  her  dear  friend — she  had 
left  her  purse  at  home  on  the  table.  Kathi  lent 
her  the  money  willingly  and  understandingly.  It 
was  not  the  first  time  Fraulein  Levini  had  for- 
gotten her  purse. 

Frau  Milcke  could  not  restrain  her  tears  when 
Kathi  presented  her  with  a beautiful  velvet  bon- 
net and  muff,  and  followed  her  benefactress  to 
the  door  with  many  courtesies.  Kathi  drove 
back  hastily  to  her  own  home. 

“Well,”  exclaimed  Klaus,  to  whom  the  time 
had  seemed  unendurably  long  during  her  absence, 
“have you  finished  all  your  secret  expeditions?” 

“Yes,”  answered  Kathi  gaily,  while  Gustel 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


129 


removed  her  hat  and  mantle,  with  no  change  in 
her  usual  expressionless  countenance.  “Yes, 
everything  is  ready  now.  At  least  I hope  so.” 

“Well,  the  heavens  be  praised  for  that!  May 
I be  permitted  to  ask  where  you  were  to-day?  ’ ’ 
“Oh,  everywhere — in  all  the  shops.  Then  I 
took  a poor  woman  a little  Christmas  present. 
Any  more  questions,  my  dear  husband?  ” 

“No  more,”  said  Klaus,  as  he  drew  her  to  him, 
and  stroked  her  soft,  black  hair  lovingly. 


o 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


It  was  a cold,  gloomy,  gray  day.  A sharp, 
frost-laden  east  wind  whistled  through  the  streets, 
and  the  throng  of  Christmas  shoppers  hurried 
along,  with  red  noses  and  streaming  eyes,  too 
short  of  breath  to  exchange  the  season’s  greet- 
ings with  the  chance  acquaintances  whom  they 
happened  to  meet.  Long  before  4 o’clock,  the 
lamp-lighters  were  hurrying  on,  from  street  to 
street,  endeavoring  to  lighten  a little  the  steadily 
increasing  gloom. 

Kathi  was  in  a state  of  great  excitement.  Her 
husband  had  gone  to  the  station  to  meet  Wilhelm 
and  his  family.  The  former  telegraphed  they 
would  arrive  at  half-past  4.  Dinner  was  ordered 
for  half-past  6,  a dinner  for  five,  and  the  first  one 
at  which  the  fine  service  of  Dresden  china  would 
be  used.  Kathi  had  invited  Leo  Schneider  also, 
notwithstanding  her  husband’s  suggestion  that  it 
would  be  better  to  have  no  guests  at  this  first 
family  dinner.  She  was  disappointed,  however, 
for  Leo  had  an  engagement  at  the  theater  that 
night.  She  went  for  the  fourth  time  into  the 
kitchen,  and  the  fat.  rosy-cheeked  cook  assured 

(130) 


MR  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


131 


her,  for  the  fourth  time  also,  that  she  need  give 
herself  no  uneasiness,  as  everything  would  be 
satisfactory. 

Then  she  went  to  her  dressing-room,  where 
Gustel  was  waiting  for  her,  and  dressed  very 
slowly.  She  had  chosen  a simple  gown,  which 
fitted  her  to  perfection,  and  exhibited  her  grace- 
ful figure  to  the  best  advantage.  She  resisted 
the  temptation  to  wear  some  of  her  glittering 
wedding  jewels,  and  contented  herself  with  a 
corsage  bouquet  of  Jacquesminot  roses  instead. 
Similar  bouquets  were  to  be  placed  beside  the 
plate  of  each  lady.  She  inspected  her  pretty 
rooms  once  more,  and  gave  a satisfied  sigh. 
There  was  nothing  new  or  gaudy  about  them; 
everything  was  in  most  perfect  taste — thanks  to 
Leo  Schneider,  though  Kathi  gave  him  little 
credit. 

* Then  she  went  to  the  window,  for  she  thought 
she  heard  carriage- wheels;  then  back  to  the 
kitchen  again,  then  to  consult  the  clocks  one  after 
another,  and  to  listen  if  her  watch  had  stopped. 
Surely,  they  must  be  here  soon.  But  no  rattling 
of  wheels  disturbed  the  quiet  of  Hildebrandt- 
strasse  yet. 

Klaus  arrived  at  the  station  five  minutes  before 
the  arrival  of  the  train.  When  he  entered  the 
waiting-room,  he  was  so  full  of  his  own  thoughts 
that  he  did  not  notice  a tall,  slender  girl  looking 


132 


ME.  AMD  MES.  BEWEE. 


at  him  curiously  out  of  her  great  brown  eyes. 
She  had  a lovely  face,  with  a clear-cut  profile,  and 
a brilliant  color,  and  golden  hair.  Klaus  remained 
standing  by  the  glass  door,  his  attention  attracted 
by  the  hurry  and  bustle  of  the  porters  and  train- 
men on  the  platform  outside.  After  a moment’s 
hesitation,  the  girl  rose  from  her  seat  with  a reso- 
lute air. 

“Is  this  Herr  Klaus  Bewer?” 

“ At  your  service,  Fraulein,”  answered  Klaus, 
a little  surprised,  as  he  lifted  his  hat. 

“ I am  Bella  White,”  explained  the  young  girl 
simply,  as  she  reached  out  her  hand  to  her  sister’s 
brother-in-law. 

“You  can  go  now,  Fraulein,”  she  said,  turning 
carelessly  toward  a woman  who  stood  at  a respect- 
ful distance.  “I  have  protection  now.”  “I 
brought  her  with  me  from  the  hotel,”  she 
explained  to  Klaus,  who  stood  staring  at  her, 
much  surprised  by  her  beauty.  “ I knew  you  at 
the  first  glance;  your  resemblance  to  Wilhelm 
is  so  striking.” 

As  she  said  the  last  word,  the  heavy  glass 
doors  swung  back.  The  train  had  arrived. 

Wilhelm  stepped  down  slowly  from  his  car. 
The  first  person  he  saw  was  Klaus.  Just  the 
same  old  and  dearly  loved  brother.  Perhaps  he 
had  grown  a trifle  taller  and  a little  broader. 
His  beard,  too,  had  grown  darker,  and  he  wore  it 
shorter. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


133 


The  two  on  the  platform  saw  him  instantly,  and 
hurried  forward.  Bella  gave  him  a hearty 
embrace,  then  hurried  past  him  into  the  com- 
partment to  see  her  sister  and  nephew,  over  whom 
she  was  crying  and  laughing  in  a breath  a mo- 
ment later.  The  brothers  embraced  one  another 
and  then  clasped  hands  without  saying  a word. 
Each  was  surprised  at  the  changes  in  the  other, 
and  these  grew  more  marked  as  they  stood  and 
gazed  at  one  another.  The  sisters  were  still  kiss- 
ing and  declaring  that  each  had  grown  much 
more  beautiful  since  their  separation,  when  they 
were  interrupted  by  Wilhelm. 

“Come,  children,  come!  Ellen,  this  is  Klaus!  ” 
he  said. 

Ellen  was  not  such  a beauty  as  her  sister,  but 
she  was  a very  pretty  woman,  nevertheless.  Her 
face  was  so  sympathetic,  so  kind  and  intelligent, 
that  it  was  a pleasant  one  for  the  eye  to  rest 
upon.  She  was  smaller  than  Bella,  and  fuller, 
and  looked,  as  in  truth  she  was,  a few  years 
older.  Frau  Wilhelm  Bewer  was  in  her  twenty- 
sixth  year. 

Ellen  greeted  her  brother-in-law  cordially,  and 
commented  on  the  close  resemblance  between 
him  and  her  husband.  Klaus  was  much  inter- 
ested in  the  negress  who  followed  with  the  child. 

Chloe  was  indeed  as  black  as  pitch,  and  the 
brilliant  red  turban  which  she  wore  on  her  woolly 


134 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


head  emphasized  all  the  more  strongly  the  color- 
ing of  the  skin.  Everything  about  he^  glittered, 
the  shiny  skin,  the  magnificent  teeth,  the  large, 
luminous  eyes,  which  rested  so  lovingly  on  the 
little  golden-hai»ed  child,  clad  in  pure  white,  who 
rested  against  her  expansive  breast. 

After  the  porter  had  secured  their  baggage, 
Ellen  and  Klaus,  with  the  baby  and  nurse,  entered 
the  hotel  omnibus  and  were  driven  quickly  to  the 
Hotel  Royal,  while  Wilhelm  and  Bella  followed 
in  Klaus’s  coupe. 

The  ladies  went  immediately  to  their  rooms  to 
dress  for  dinner,  and  Klaus  bore  his  brother  com- 
pany while  the  latter  made  such  changes  as  were 
necessary  in  his  attire. 

“Now  tell  me  all  about  your  wife,”  began 
Wilhelm.  “ You  can't  know  how  anxious  we  all 
are  to  hear  about  her.” 

“You  will  soon  see  her  and  learn  to  know  her 
for  yourself.  ’ ’ 

“Judging  from  her  picture,  she  must  be  very 
lovely,  she  has  such  a dainty,  fragile  look.  But 
if  she  is  good,  that’ s the  main  thing,  and  loves  you 
devotedly.  Do  you  quarrel  much?”  Wilhelm 
asked  the  question  in  a careless,  conversational 
tone  as  he  searched  for  his  dress-coat  in  his  trunk. 

“Do  we  quarrel  much?”  repeated  Klaus. 
“Why  do  you  ask  such  a question?” 

“I  have  no  special  motive.  I am  only  inter- 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


135 


ested  to  know  whether  it  is  a family  trait  among 
the  Bewers  to  begin  married  life  with  a succes- 
sion of  storms  in  order  that  unclouded  sunshine 
may  follow  after.” 

“Was  it  so  with  you,”  asked  Klaus,  rather 
relieved. 

“I  should  think  so.  We  had  more  fusses  in 
the  first  three  weeks  after  our  marriage  than  we 
have  had  in  the  last  three  years.  Thank  good- 
ness, I’ve  found  it!”  he  exclaimed,  drawing  his 
dress-coat  out  with  a vindictive  shake. 

“You  are  my  senior  in  years,  but  I am  yours  in 
the  marriage  state,  and  I must  say  that,  as  far  as 
my  experience  goes,  every  man  is  a fool  during 
his  honeymoon.  More  has  been  told  about  the 
glories  of  the  honeymoon  season  than  about  any 
other  period  of  human  life;  but  it’s  all  stuff! 
The  wives  are  always  captious  and  crotchety  to 
an  exasperating  degree,  and  the  husbands  take 
the  reins  and  become  bullies  for  the  time  being  in 
order  to  prove  how  wise  they  are.  Then  there 
are  orders  and  tears,  and  sometimes  a whole  after 
life  is  wrecked  because  two  young  people,  each 
kindly  disposed  enough,  can’t  have  a little 
patience  one  with  the  other.  That’s  what  I mean, 
Klaus.  If  you  have  not  yet  been  able  to  overcome 
all  the  little  difficulties,  do  not  fret  about  them. 
They’ll  all  come  right.  It  belongs  to  the  early 
days  of  marriage.” 


136 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


“Are  you  quite  happy  now? ” asked  Klaus. 

Wilhelm,  who  had  been  pacing  the  room  slowly 
while  making  his  toilet,  stopped  before  his 
brother  now  and  said  very  earnestly: 

‘ £ Quite  happy,  Klaus!  Just  as  happy  as  a man 
can  be;  and  I know  what  that  means.  I have 
the  best  and  noblest  of  wives.  No  breath  of 
reproach  could  ever  touch  her.  She  has  a deep, 
pure  soul,  a full,  warm  heart,  and  a clear  under- 
standing of  the  duties  and  privileges  of  life.  I 
say  to  you,  as  you  said  to  me  just  now,  ‘ You  will  ■ 
learn  to  know  her  for  yourself.’  For  she  conceals 
nothing,  neither  would  it  ever  enter  into  her  head 
to  make  an  ostentatious  display.  She  is  unas- 
suming and  good.  So  you  can  readily  understand 
what  a faithful,  loving  companion  she  is  to  me  in 
my  life.  We  understand  one  another  at  a glance, 
understand  one  another  without  a glance.  A 
close  and  warm  friendship  unites  us,  in  spite  of 
much  dissimilarity.  And  though  we  frequently 
entertain  different  opinions,  we  are  always  one  in 
heart  and  soul.” 

“Yes,  you  are  a happy  man,”  murmured 
Klaus. 

Wilhelm’s  half -jesting  remarks  on  the  honey- 
moon period  had  pleased  him  well.  He  had 
involuntarily  taken  every  word  home,  and  turned 
it  to  account  in  connection  with  those  early  and 
unhappy  weeks  when  Kathi  and  he  began  their 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWEE. 


137 


travels.  But,  when  Wilhelm  paid  so  earnest,  and 
Klaus  could  not  but  feel  so  truthful,  a tribute  to 
his  wife’s  character  and  attributes,  a deep  sadness 
came  over  the  listener’s  heart.  He  again  drew  a 
parallel  between  her  and  Kathi,  but  he  had  to 
force  himself  to  do  it,  and  it  was  most  painful. 
He  could  not  conceal  from  himself  that  Kathi  was 
lacking  in  those  virtues  which  are  the  foundation- 
stones  of  a happy  married  life,  and  which  his 
more  fortunate  sister-in-law  possessed. 

When  he  questioned  himself  by  what  means 
Kathi  had  won  his  heart,  there  was  but  one  an- 
swer, or  series  of  answers:  the  beauty  of  her  face 
and  figure,  her  grace,  the  sound  of  her  voice,  the 
resistless  charm  of  her  Viennese  speech.  Of  her 
nobility  of  character,  her  warm  heart,  her  pure 
soul,  he  had  never  thought;  and,  as  he  was 
honest  to  himself,  he  could  not  think  now. 

“1  should  be  sorry,”  he  said,  after  a pause,  “if 
our  wives  were  not  friends.” 

“There’ll  be  no  trouble  about  that,”  said  Wil- 
helm briskly.  “ Ellen  intends  they  shall  be. 
She  comes  to  your  wife  with  a heart  full  of  love 
and  sympathy.” 

‘ ‘ But  Kathi  is  a very  singular  nature;  not  really 
reserved,  but,  at  the  same  time,  difficult  to 
approach.  She  is  quick  and  sensible,  but  some- 
what peculiar  in  her  feelings — that  is,  I mean  in 
her  expression  of  them,”  answered  Klaus, 


138 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


“That  won’t  make  any  difference.  Young 
wives  form  friendships  very  quickly,  and  as  your 
Kathi  is  younger  and  much  prettier  than  my  wife, 
she  won’t  find  any  fault  with  Ellen.  And  if 
they  become  good  friends  at  the  start,  they’ll 
always  remain  so.  If  Frau  Kathi  is  ever  impo- 
lite, why,  my  wife  can  give  her  a good  scolding 
and  bring  her  around  again,  and  we  four  will  live 
in  peace  together — and  Bella,  too!  By  George, 
what  a pretty  girl  she’s  grown  to  be  in  these  three 
years!  ” 

Wilhelm  knocked  on  the  door  of  the  adjoining 
room  and  called  out: 

“Are  you  ready,  Ellen?” 

“Yes.” 

“And  Bella?” 

“ She  is  waiting  in  the  parlor.” 

“I  forgot  to  mention  among  my  wife’s  nu- 
merous virtues,”  said  Wilhelm,  with  a laugh, 

‘ ‘ that  she  is  always  on  time.  I never  knew  her  to 
keep  me  waiting.  That  was  not  inborn,  though, 
but  the  result  of  my  training,”  he  added,  with 
a self-satisfied,  significant  nod. 

Ellen  and  the  two  men  went  at  once  to  the 
reception-room,  where  Bella  sat  playing  with  the 
child,  while  Chloe  stood  back  with  a broad  grin 
on  her  ebony  face,  showing  her  glittering  teeth  to 
perfection. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


When  Kathi  heard  the  carriage-wheels  before 
the  door,  she  was  in  a state  of  great  excitement. 
She  rushed  to  a long  mirror  to  give  herself  one 
more  glance,  and  smoothed  down  the  folds  of  her 
long,  soft  pompadour  train,  and  then,  well  satis- 
fied with  her  appearance,  went  forward  to  meet 
her  guests. 

The  greetings  were  very  cordial,  almost  hearty. 
Ellen  was  charmed  with  Kathi,  whom  she 
promptly  declared  to  herself  to  be  the  most  beau- 
tiful creature  in  existence.  Kathi,  on  her  part, 
was  very  gracious,  especially  after  she  observed 
that  her  American  kinswoman,  notwithstanding 
her  youth,  was  given  to  embonpoint;  decidedly  so, 
she  assured  herself  complacently.  The  young 
sister,  who  was  glowing  with  youth  and  beauty, 
and  bubbling  over  with  vivacious  spirits,  did  not 
please  her  so  well. 

At  dinner  Kathi  sat  next  Wilhelm,  who  had,  of 
course,  taken  her  in;  Ellen  was  escorted  by  her 
host,  and  sat  at  his  right  hand,  while  Bella  was  on 
his  left. 

The  conversation  was  very  animated  at  first. 

(139) 


140 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


The  two  sisters  had  not  seen  one  another  for  three 
years,  and  the  two  brothers  had  been  parted  for 
quite  eleven.  So  they  talked  of  San  Francisco 
and  Liibeck,  of  Sumatra  and  Dresden.  They  all 
thought  of  something  which  they  wished  Kathi 
could  have  seen,  and  which  they  yet  hoped  to 
have  the  pleasure  of  showing  her.  Ellen  good- 
naturedly  strove  to  turn  the  conversation  into 
channels  which  would  interest  her  hostess,  but 
Kathi  had  by  this  time  decided  not  to  be  inter- 
ested in  anything.  Ellen  complimented  her  on 
her  fine  housekeeping,  on  the  exquisite  appoint- 
ments of  her  table,  and  on  the  quiet  elegance  of 
her  gown.  She  deplored  the  ever-increasing  ex- 
travagance of  Americans  in  the  matter  of  dress, 
and  wished  they  could  learn  a lesson  from  the 
more  sensible  Germans.  To  all  of  which  Kathi 
listened  without  making  any  attempt  to  bear  her 
share  in  the  general  talk. 

Ellen  asked  which  city  she  preferred  as  a place 
of  residence,  Berlin  or  Vienna,  and  whether  the 
difference  between  North  and  South  Germany  was 
great  enough  to  be  noticeable  to  a foreigner,  but 
Kathi  only  gave  her  monosyllabic  answers.  Ellen, 
who  was  not  very  musical  herself,  felt  it  a duty  to 
resume  a certain  interest  in  such  matters.  She 
asked  Kathi  if  she  ever  grew  timid  or  lost  her 
self-possession  on  the  stage,  if  she  memorized  her 
songs  readily,  and  many  more  questions,  to  prove 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


141 


to  her  new  sister-in-law  that  whatever  interested 
her  would  become  a matter  of  interest  also  to  her 
husband’s  family. 

Kathi  answered  all  questions  politely,  but  in- 
differently. She  was  neither  rude  nor  embar- 
rassed; she  had  simply  lost  all  interest  in  her 
guests,  or  so  at  least  it  seemed.  The  four  tried 
repeatedly  to  draw  her  into  conversation,  but  all 
to  no  purpose;  she  was  a passive  hostess,  sepa- 
rated by  an  impassable  barrier  from  the  rest. 

Good-natured  Ellen  soon  found  a reason  for 
Frau  Bewer’ s distant  manner  which  satisfied  her. 
They  were  all  strangers  to  her,  and  foreigners  too, 
for  Ellen  considered  Wilhelm  a genuine  American 
by  this  time.  Then  the  little  woman  was  a young 
housekeeper,  and  was  anxious  that  everything 
should  pass  off  well.  She  was  doubtless  of  a timid 
nature,  too,  and  was  awed  by  their  noise  and 
laughter. 

At  the  same  time,  Ellen  felt  it  a duty  to  show 
good-fellowship  and  draw  her  hostess  out.  She 
referred  repeatedly  to  “us  wives,”  or  “our  hus- 
bands,” or  “we  Bewers.” 

Kathi  realized  that  Ellen  was  a pleasant,  sym- 
pathetic woman,  who  meant  what  she  said,  and 
was  kindly  disposed  toward  herself,  and  she  ac- 
corded to  her  guests,  involuntarily,  that  respect 
which  the  uncultivated  and  undeveloped  must 
always  pay  their  superiors. 


142  ME.  AND  MKS.  BEWEE. 

It  was  really  very  good  of  this  San  Franciscan 
to  take  so  much  trouble  on  her  account,  she  re- 
flected. But  why  did  she  do  it?  They  all  talked 
about  such  stupid,  uninteresting  things,  and 
laughed,  laughed  heartily  too,  at  absolutely 
nothing.  Kathi  made  it  quite  clear  that  she  had 
nothing  in  common  with  them,  and  that  she  had 
neither  desire  nor  intention  to  meet  them  half 
way. 

Something  divided  them,  she  could  not  tell  what. 
Though  she  had  to  smile  and  appear  happy,  she 
felt  she  was  “the  fifth  wheel  of  the  wagon.” 

Fraulein  Bella  annoyed  her  greatly.  How  free 
and  easy  she  was,  chatting  away  with  her  husband 
as  though  she  had  known  him  her  life  long,  and 
as  if  he  were  an  unmarried  man.  Why  was 
she  of  the  party  at  all?  How  unconcernedly  she 
laughed.  That  was  the  result,  doubtless,  of  her 
education  in  a pension.  A singular  education, 
indeed,  which  permitted  unfledged  girls  to  laugh 
and  make  merry  while  married  women  sat  by  in 
silence! 

The  dinner  was  over.  Each  of  the  four  had 
discovered,  by  this  time,  that  he  or  she  made  one 
of  a quartette,  while  the  fifth  was  but  a listener; 
but  no  remark  was  made,  and  the  fiction  that  Kathi 
was  participating  in  their  mirth  was  still  main- 
tained. No  one  felt  this  as  keenly  as  poor  Klaus. 
Both  ladies  congratulated  Kathi  on  the  success  of 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB.  143 

her  little  dinner,  and,  as  they  entered  the  drawing- 
room after  dinner,  Ellen  put  her  arm  around  the 
silent  woman’s  waist,  and  said,  with  a pleasant 
laugh,  “Now  we  matrons  will  have  a little  sensi- 
ble chat  all  by  ourselves,”  as  she  drew  her  down 
on  the  sofa  beside  herself,  in  a little  alcove  sepa- 
rated by  portieres  from  the  drawing-room. 

Klaus,  Wilhelm,  and  Bella  sat  at  some  distance 
from  them,  and,  after  the  coffee  had  been  served, 
the  men  smoked. 

Bella  chatted  on  quite  oblivious  of  her  hostess’ 
disapproving  looks.  She  had  a thousand  and  one 
things  to  tell  her  brother-in-law,  and  countless 
questions  to  ask  him:  Whether  her  father  still 
played  cards  daily  with  Mr.  J efferson?  How  far 
Wilhelm’s  new  house  was  from  the  homestead? 
What  kind  of  a looking  man  her  friend  Hattie’s 
husband  was?  and  was  he  as  much  in  love  with 
Hattie  as  she  was  with  him?  Then  she  told  how 
many  nice  girls  she  had  met  in  Dresden;  how  fond 
she  was  of  some  of  them,  and,  she  added  unaf- 
fectedly, they  of  her;  how  well  she  had  progressed 
with  her  painting,  and  what  words  of  praise  Di- 
rector Hiibner  had  given  her  when  he  inspected 
the  two  pictures  of  still-life  which  she  had  copied 
in  the  great  gallery. 

Klaus  listened  to  it  all  with  attention,  although 
these  things  were  in  themselves  totally  without 
interest  for  him;  but  he  joined  in  the  conversa- 


144 


ME.  AMD  MRS.  BEWER. 


tion,  and  even  joked  Bella  on  having  an  appre- 
ciative audience. 

It  seemed  almost  singular  that  it  was  he  who 
did  the  talking  to-night,  without  reserve  or  con- 
straint, while  his  wife  scarcely  uttered  a word. 
And  it  was  not  with  his  brother  that  he  chatted, 
but  with  this  blithesome  young  girl,  who,  being 
eighteen  years  his  junior,  he  regarded  as  little 
more  than  a child.  Then,  too,  she  belonged  to 
another  country,  and  was  of  another  race.  He 
had  no  feeling  for  her  except  one  of  passing 
interest  as  she  was  his  brother’s  kinswoman.  He 
was  not  blind  to  her  beauty,  but  it  did  not  wake 
within  him  any  other  emotion  than  that  of  the 
mildest  admiration.  Bella  was  to  him  a merry, 
simple  school -girl;  nothing  more  and  nothing  less. 

How  did  it  happen,  then,  that  he  could  con- 
verse freely  with  this  young  girl,  whom  he  did 
not  love,  and  whom  he  had  only  known  a few 
hours,  while  he  would  often  be  silent  for  hours, 
or,  if  he  did  speak,  was  stupid  in  the  extreme,  in 
the  presence  of  his  well -beloved  wife? 

It  was  simply  this:  Bella  belonged  to  that  class 
which  understood  the  freemasonry  of  polite  and 
refined  society.  To  Kathi  all  this  was  mere  shal- 
low pantomiming. 

Klaus  gazed  at  Bella,  too,  with  a puzzled  feeling, 
hardly  knowing  what  to  make  of  her.  She  looked 
at  him  so  innocently  out  of  her  great  brown  eyes, 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEB. 


145 


with  the  same  free,  clear  glance  which  she  gave 
to  the  rest  of  the  world — a glance  which,  though 
fearless,  was  always  modest.  In  Kathi’s  company 
the  fear  was  ever  in  his  mind  that  she  would  say 
something  strange  or  vexatious,  or  frighten  him 
into  silence  by  a sneer  or  a disdainful  speech; 
now  how  carelessly  and  thoughtlessly  he  talked 
with  this  young  guest. 

Suddenly  a horrible  thought  came  into  his 
mind.  “God  help  me!”  he  said  to  himself, 
“have  I been  deceiving  myself,  after  all?” 

Great  beads  of  perspiration  stood  out  on  his 
forehead,  and  he  rose  precipitately  from  his 
lounging-chair.  He  would  talk  no  more  to  this 
strange  girl,  who  put  vexatious  thoughts  of  his 
wife  into  his  head.  To  be  sure,  Kathi  had  hardly 
pleased  him  at  table,  but  it  was  too  much  to 
expect  of  her  to  enter  at  once  into  an  alliance 
with  people  who  were  utter  strangers.  Then, 
poor  soul,  she  had  had  no  advantages  of  travel; 
neither  had  she  had  those  benefits  which  are 
derived  from  a careful  education.  He  had  not 
taken  her  from  a celebrated  pension.  But  she 
had  other  qualities,  he  mused,  equally  attract- 
ive— -yes,  others. 

But  what  were  they? 

Well,  she  was,  for  instance,  very  musical.  And 
the  thought  occurred  suddenly  to  him,  why 

should  she  hide  her  light  under  a bushel?  With 

10 


146 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


the  desire  to  make  his  apathetic  little  wife  show 
what  she  could  do,  he  hurried  toward  the  cur- 
tained alcove.  He  had  come  at  an  opportune 
moment.  Both  ladies  rose  at  once,  as  if  the 
guard  had  announced  that  their  train  had  reached 
its  destination. 

“ Kathi,  my  dear,  I want  you  to  sing  something 
for  us.” 

“I  beg  to  be  excused,”  answered  Kathi  lacon- 
ically. 

“ But  why?  ” said  Klaus  slowly,  in  a surprised 
tone. 

“For  a very  simple  reason;  I do  not  care  to 
sing.” 

There  ensued  a painful  silence. 

“When  I am  not  in  the  humor,  I really  can 
not  sing,”  said  Kathi,  who  felt  some  further  word 
of  explanation  was  necessary. 

“Don’t  bother  your  wife,”  interrupted  Ellen. 
“We  women  can  not  always  do  as  we  would  like 
on  demand.  I understand  exactly  how  it  is. 
Kathi  looks  tired  to-night.  She  will  sing  for  us 
some  other  time. 

“I  have  nothing  more  to  say,”  said  Klaus;  and 
he  added,  trying  to  joke  about  it,  “Here  comes 
Fraulein  Bella,  and  against  three  women  one  poor 
man  has  no  chance.  I thought  we  might  have  a 
little  music,  an  Austrian  song  or  two;  and  my 
wife,  according  to  my  judgment,  sings  them 
charmingly.” 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEK. 


147 


“I  don’t  sing  at  all,  or  at  least  very  little,”  said 
Bella,  taking  np  the  theme;  “bnt  if  you  want 
music  of  some  kind,  and  will  be  satisfied  with  bad 
music  as  long  as  you  can  not  get  good,  I will  play 
you  something,  and  give  you  a negro  melody  or 
two.” 

Klaus  thanked  her,  as  in  duty  bound,  and 
opening  the  piano,  led  her  to  it. 

As  she  struck  the  first  chords,  it  was  clear  to 
him  that  she  was  no  mean  or  untutored  dilet- 
tante. She  played  with  less  force  than  might 
have  been  expected,  but  with  a delicacy  of  expres- 
sion and  touch  which  belongs  to  the  true  musician. 

Klaus  complimented  her  politely  on  this  new 
talent  which  she  had  hidden  so  modestly,  and 
expressed  some  surprise  that  she  was  so  fine  a 
musician. 

“ I deserve  little  credit  for  it,”  Bella  answered 
gaily.  “ After  three  years’  constant  attendance  at 
the  conservatoire,  with  daily  practice,  I certainly 
ought  to  know  something.” 

She  now  began  the  prelude  of  a mournful  but 
characteristic  negro  melody,  and  Wilhelm  and 
Ellen,  hearing  something  familiar  to  them  both, 
stepped  to  her  side.  Klaus  leaned  against  the 
instrument  on  the  opposite  side,  and  Kathi  sat  at 
a little  distance. 

Bella  played  the  simple  air  well,  and  Wilhelm 
and  Ellen  stood  by  and  hummed  it,  and  finally 


148 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


sang  it  out  lustily,  with  nods  and  pleasant  mim- 
icry. Then,  when  they  forgot  the  words,  Bella, 
in  her  clear,  pleasant,  untrained  voice,  good-na- 
turedly sang  the  remaining  verses  alone  for  her 
little  audience. 

After  this  she  played  one  or  two  others  without 
waiting  to  be  asked,  then  ended  with  a Strauss 
waltz,  which  she  rendered  with  such  spirit  and 
verve  that  even  Kathi’s  unwilling  feet  involun- 
tarily kept  time. 

Klaus  had  done  his  best  to  bring  his  young 
wife  forward  to  shine  as  the  center  of  attraction, 
rather  than  this  artless  school-girl,  but  all  to  no 
purpose.  Bella,  with  her  simple,  merry  speech 
and  honest,  direct  manner,  was,  for  the  rest  of 
the  evening,  the  life  and  spirit  of  the  little  com- 
pany, while  Kathi  sat  by  brooding,  if  not  sullen. 
She  was  devoutly  thankful  when  they  finally 
declared  their  intention  to  depart.  She  said 
“good-by,  until  to-morrow,”  very  cordially  to 
her  brother-in-law  and  his  wife,  but  when  it  came 
to  Bella,  her  manner  changed.  She  felt  that  she 
had  been  ill-used  this  Christmas  eve — how,  she 
could  not  explain;  but  it  was  this  stranger’s  fault, 
and  she  gave  the  merest  touch  at  parting  to  the 
hand  which  was  extended  to  her  so  frankly. 
Bella,  all  unconscious  of  the  storm  she  had  cre- 
ated, bade  a pleasant,  unconcerned  “good-night” 
to  all,  and  went  away  laughing. 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


149 


No  word  was  spoken  between  husband  and  wife 
for  several  minutes  after  tlieir  guests’  departure. 
Kathi  sank  down  again  in  the  low  reception-chair 
which  she  had  occupied  the  greater  part  of  the 
evening.  Klaus,  lost  in  thought,  paced  to  and  fro 
the  length  of  the  long  room. 

A servant  extinguished  several  lights  and  car- 
ried away  the  coffee-service.  But  for  the  one  lamp 
burning  on  the  table  in  front  of  Kathi,  the  long 
room  was  in  darkness. 

“Well,  haven’t  you  anything  to  say  to  me  to 
counteract  the  stupidity  of  this  most  tiresome 
evening?”  asked  Kathi  at  last,  too  irritated  to 
longer  conceal  her  ill-humor. 

“It  has  made  me  very  happy  to  see  my  brother 
again,  after  our  long  years  of  separation;  also  to 
meet  his  family.  If  you  can  not  appreciate  my 
feelings,  I beg  you  to  say  nothing  unkind,  for  I 
am  in  no  humor  to  listen  to  criticism.” 

“Why,  what  could  I say  to  annoy  you?” 
answered  Kathi  in  a drawling  tone.  “I  like 
your  brother  very  much,  and  his  wife  pleases 
me,  too.  But  from  that  bold  little  minx 
Bella  heaven  defend  me!  It  would  be  a good 
thing  for  them  to  send  her  to  some  institute  for  a 
few  years  more,  until  she  was  taught  how  to 
behave  herself.” 

“I  pray  you,  Kathi — ” 

“Of  course  you’ll  take  her  part,  after  paying 


150 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


you  such  marked  attention.  That’s  the  way  with 
a maif,  only  flatter  him,  and  he — ” 

“Kathi!”  Klaus  interrupted  angrily  now. 

“ Whether  you  cry  out  or  not,  it  doesn’t  change 
the  facts.  What  I have  seen  I have  seen!  I 
know  what’s  decent  as  well  as  another,  and  I know 
what  to  think  when  a girl  makes  eyes  at  a married 
man!  So  I tell  you,  once  for  all,  it  does  not  suit 
me,  and  I will  not  allow  it  again  in  my  house!  ” 
Klaus  was  speechless.  He  fairly  gasped  for 
breath  as  he  stood  staring  at  her. 

“You  don’t  know  what  you  are  saying,”  broke 
at  last  from  his  lips.  “How  can  you  talk  so 
recklessly?  ” 

“I  know  very  well  what  I am  saying.  I’m  not 
so  stupid  as  you  all  think  me.  And  this  lovely 
Bella  shall  not  find  me  such  a fool,  either! 
When  she  comes  here  to-morrow,  I’ll  put  a stop 
to  her  little  game.  I’ll  take  her  aside  and  tell  her 
frankly  what  I think  of  her.” 

“Silence!”  thundered  Klaus. 

Kathi  looked  astonished,  and  drew  back  fright- 
ened when  she  saw  her  husband  standing  over  her 
with  flaming  cheeks  and  flashing  eyes. 

“ Well , ” she  said  defiantly,  ‘ ‘ what  is  it?  ’ ’ 
“You  will  say  nothing  at  all  to-morrow,” 
Klaus  said,  in  a quieter  tone.  “ I shall  take  care 
that  so  unheard-of  an  insult  shall  not  be  given 
here.” 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


151 


He  turned  from  her  and  began  again  pacing  the 
room.  Kathi  sat  perfectly  silent.  It  was  the  first 
time  Klaus  had  ever  been  angry  with  her.  IShe  gave 
him  many  glances  when  his  broad  back  was 
turned,  and  when  he  faced  her  she  dropped  her 
eyes.  She  felt  oppressed,  almost  anxious,  and 
wished  that  he  would  break  the  silence  or  that  she 
could  think  of  something  to  say. 

She  had  been  a fool  to  vex  him  and  make  him 
so  angry.  But,  after  all,  what  was  her  crime? 
Only  that  she  had  good  eyes  and  had  seen  this 
American  trying  to  entrap  her  husband!  She  had 
right  on  her  side,  and  would  meet  defiance  with 
defiance.  She’d  see  who’ d conquer! 

She  rose  and  turned  toward  the  door.  ‘ ‘ Where 
are  you  going?”  asked  her  husband  quietly. 

“lam  going  to  bed.  I have  no  appetite  for 
further  discussion  to-night.” 

“ Please  remain  a few  minutes.  I have  some- 
thing to  say  to  you.” 

“ If  you  continue  in  the  same  tone  in  which  you 
just  spoke,  I prefer  not  to  listen.” 

“ I will  be  very  quiet.” 

“ Very  well;  say  your  say,  then.  But  I may  as 
well  warn  you  that  you  can  not  cajole  me  into 
thinking  black  is  white.  I am  no  fool,  and  can 
see  as  well  as  another.” 

“I  shall  neither  affirm  nor  deny  any  of  your 
foolish  statements.  I shall  merely  advise  you.  I 


152 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


have  noticed  that  you  do  not  feel  at  ease  with  my 
kinsfolk,  and  your  words  just  now  have  corrobo- 
rated the  result  of  my  observation.  You  can  not 
control  yourself,  and  with  your  peculiar  disposi- 
tion, it  would  be  very  natural  for  you  to  make  an 
uncomfortable  scene,  and  such  an  exhibition  I wish, 
at  any  price,  to  avoid.  If  you  insult  Fraulein 
Bella  by  your  unjust  and  groundless  suspicions, 
all  intercourse  will  be,  as  a consequence,  at  an  end 
between  my  American  kinsfolk  and  myself,  for 
my  brother  can  not  separate  himself  from  his  fam- 
ily any  more  than  I can  separate  my  self  from  you. 
I love  Wilhelm  devotedly,  and  any  breach  between 
us  would  wound  me  deeply.  My  feelings  cannot 
alter  yours,  nor  do  I expect  they  should,  but  you 
can  at  least  heed  my  words  and  be  silent;  by  so 
doing  you  will  save  me  both  mortification  and 
sorrow.  I now  see  that  a happy,  united  life  with 
Wilhelm  and  his  family,  of  which  I have  so  often 
dreamed,  can  never  be.  Perhaps  our  parting  will 
be  the  less  painful.  But  we  must  so  arrange  it 
that  there  will  be  little  intercourse  between  my 
brother’s  family  and  ourselves  while  they  are  here. 
I will  tell  Wilhelm  that  there  is  nothing  in  common 
between  you  women,  and  that  it  would  be  just  as 
prudent  for  you  to  see  as  little  of  one  another  as 
possible.  He’  11  understand,  and  between  him  and 
me  the  old  love  will  be  as  strong  as  ever.  But,  in 
the  meantime,  I must  resort  to  subterfuge.  I’ll 


ME.  AMD  ME8.  BEWEE. 


153 


write  a line  to-night  and  say  you  are  ill  and  will 
probably  be  confined  to  your  bed  to-morrow,  so 
that  it  will  be  impossible  for  us  to  receive  them 
on  Christmas-day.  Will  that  suit  you?  ’ ’ 

“As  you  please,”  said  his  wife,  sinking  back 
into  her  chair.  “ It’s  a pity  about  all  the  pretty 
gifts!”  Then,  after  a moment’s  thought,  sheadded: 
“You’d  better  write  to  Leo  Schneider  to-night 
and  invite  him  for  to-morrow  evening.  It’s  ridic- 
ulous to  have  such  a great  Christmas-tree  and  only 
two  people  to  see  it.” 

Klaus  looked  at  her  a moment  in  wonder,  then 
a sad,  compassionate  smile  played  around  his  lips, 
and  he  said  quietly: 

“ I will  invite  him  if  you  wish.” 

“And  then  we  shall  have  a happy  evening 
again,”  said  Kathi,  all  her  old  gaiety  coming  back 
in  a moment;  “ and  I won’t  be  capricious,  and  will 
sing  to  you  to  your  heart’s  content.” 

“ Very  well,  my  child.”  He  honestly  meant  to 
be  as  kind  and  friendly  as  ever,  but  the  tones  of 
his  voice  betrayed  sorrow  and  discontent.  For 
the  first  time  the  secret  witchery  of  Kathi’ s voice 
and  manner  had  no  effect  on  him.  He  made  no 
attempt  to  detain  her  longer,  and  gave  a sigh  of 
relief  when  she  was  gone. 

The  servant  came  to  him  a few  minutes  later  to 
say  that  his  mistress  had  ordered  tea  in  her  dress- 
ing-room, and  should  he  serve  him  also? 


154 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


“ No!  ” Klaus  answered.  ‘ ‘ I want  nothing  but 
the  lamp  in  my  study  to  be  lighted,  and  at  once 
too.” 

After  he  had  written  his  two  letters,  the  one  to 
his  brother  and  the  other  to  Leo  Schneider,  he  sat 
for  a long  time  with  his  head  resting  on  his  hands; 
then,  rousing  himself,  he  sealed  the  letters,  and 
said,  with  a bitter  smile: 

“ She  has  not  wasted  much  time!  But  I alone 
am  to  blame!  ” 

He  would  post  the  letters  himself.  It  was  a cold 
night;  the  mercury  stood  twelve  degrees  below 
zero.  But  he  shook  himself  into  his  great  coat 
without  a thought  of  the  biting  air.  It  was  past 

11. 

“If  my  wife  asks  for  me,”  he  said  to  the  sleepy 
man  who  handed  him  his  hat  and  gloves,  “say  I 
have  gone  to  post  the  letters  myself.  And  you 
go  to  bed.  Don’t  wait  for  me.”  And  the  vesti- 
bule doors  swung  behind  him  as  he  spoke. 

Kathi,  in  the  meantime,  had  drunk  her  tea  by 
the  glowing  grate  and  had  then  put  herself  into 
the  hands  of  her  maid.  She  was  more  than  usually 
talkative  to-night.  The  taste  of  her  unpleasant 
evening  was  still  in  her  mouth. 

“I’ll  be  free  from  those  tiresome  Americans  to- 
morrow, thank  the  Lord!  I’d  die  if  I had  to  go 
through  such  another  evening.  Frau  Ellen  is  a 
very  nice  woman,  I must  acknowledge  that;  but 


ME.  AMD  MBS.  BEWEE. 


155 


she  gossips  all  the  time,  and  asks  no  end  of  ques- 
tions. She  is  so  curious  about  everything,  I believe 
the  A mericans  are  great  gossipers.  I haven’ t much 
to  say  about  Wilhelm.  You  know  how  men  are. 
But  the  young  girl,  Bella— I’ll  keep  an  eye  on 
her!  She’s  an  affected  doll  just  out  of  a pension 
—you  understand  the  kind.  She  spends  her  time 
making  eyes  at  the  men.  She  has  been  at  Dresden 
for  three  years,  being  educated  and  trained  for  a 
lady,”  added  Kathi  ironically,  and  she  hummed: 

“ My  Julia  lias  been  trained, 

But  how  I dare  not  say  ’ 

“A  most  disagreeable  girl,”  she  continued; 
1 ‘ but  pretty,  there’ s no  denying  that — very  pretty. 
She  knows  it,  too!” 

11  But  she  has  such  large  feet,  my  lady,”  inter- 
posed Gustel. 

“ Has  she?”  exclaimed  her  mistress,  delighted. 
‘ ‘ How  did  you  find  it  out?  I do  hate  big  feet  above 
all  things.” 

“ I took  off  her  overshoes  for  her.  Yes,  she 
certainly  has  large  feet.” 

“ And  broad  and  flat,  I’ve  no  doubt.  Yes,  yes, 
she  looks  as  if  she  had.  That’s  the  secret  of  her 
wearing  so  long  a gown.  Well,  it’s  a great  blem- 
ish to  have  big,  ill-shaped  feet;  ” and  Kathi  gave 
a sigh  of  genuine  satisfaction  as  she  looked  down 
at  her  own.  Then  she  got  up  and  danced  a step 
or  two  to  show  her  contentment  with  what  nature 
had  done  for  her. 


156 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


Finally,  she  let  Gustel  tuck  her  comfortably  in 
bed. 

She  wondered  why  Klaus,  contrary  to  habit, 
should  have  gone  out  on  such  a bitter  night. 
Perhaps  he  was  laying  some  kind  of  a trap  for  her. 
She  laughed  at  the  idea. 

“The  men  don’t  catch  us  as  easily  as  they 
think,  do  they,  Gustel?”  she  said,  with  a little 
laugh. 

Then  she  thought  of  the  gifts  which  she  had 
purchased — of  the  alligator-skin  portfolio  for 
Klaus,  with  its  heavy  silver  corners,  which  had 
cost  a small  fortune,  and  of  the  smoking- set  for 
Wilhelm.  Well,  Wilhelm  would  not  get  it 
now — why  not  present  it  to  Leo  Schneider? 

Gustel  agreed  that  the  change  of  recipients  was 
a practical  one. 

“And  Bella,  pretty  Bella,  gets  nothing,”  said 
Kathi  gaily.  ‘ 1 1 ought  to  send  her  a pair  of  shoes, 
though.  Good  large,  comfortable  shoes!  ” And 
she  laughed  heartily,  while  Gustel  joined  as  mer- 
rily as  her  subordinate  position  would  permit. 
Gustel  was  a wise  girl,  who  never  overstepped  the 
bounds  of  her  position. 

‘ ‘Just  hand  me  a cigarette,  Gustel.  I never  get 
a chance  to  smoke;  but  now  that  Herr  Bewer  is 
out,  I’ll  get  through  one — or  even  two,  perhaps!  ” 


CHAPTER  X. 


Klaus  went  down  Hildebrandtstrasse  at  a slow 
pace,  notwithstanding  the  cold.  When  he 
reached  the  busier  .streets,  he  was  annoyed  at  the 
bustle  and  noise  on  all  sides.  Theater-folk  were 
on  their  way  home,  shoppers  were  still  out  mak- 
ing their  last  purchases  for  the  morrow,  and  the 
lights  were  streaming  from  the  shop-windows. 
He  crossed  to  the  Thiergarten  and  struck  into  the 
same  narrow,  lonely  footpath  which  he  had  trod 
that  wretched,  oppressive  night  last  summer. 
His  lagging  footsteps  made  a hollow,  cracking 
echo  on  the  crisp  snow.  The  branches  of  the 
trees  swayed  to  and  fro  with  a mournful  sound  in 
the  night  wind,  and  their  ice-covered  arms  had  a 
glistening,  spectral  appearance  as  they  reached  out 
toward  the  pale,  moonlit  heavens.  But  the  sor- 
rowful man  heeded  neither  the  cold  nor  the  weird 
aspect  of  his  lonely  surroundings.  His  thoughts 
to-night  were  sad,  sad  beyond  belief.  He  felt  that 
his  summer  evening’ s walk — how  far  away  that 
August  evening  seemed  now — was  a happy  one  in 
comparison  with  the  weight  of  woe  which  bound 


158 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


him  down  to-night.  Oh!  why  had  he  not  been 
warned  that  night?  Why  had  he  striven  so 
strenuously  to  stifle  within  him  the  prophetic 
voice  which  had  risen  again  and  again?  Then  he 
had  satisfied  himself  with  foolish,  groundless 
reasons;  he  had  assured  himself,  over  and  over 
again,  that  he  was  his  own  master  and  could  do 
as  he  pleased.  Well,  he  had  done  as  he  pleased, 
but  surely  he  was  not  his  own  master!  Oh!  the 
bitterness,  the  inexpressible  bitterness,  of  this 
hour.  He  had  united  himself  for  life  to  a woman 
who  could  never,  never  be  his.  It  was  not  that 
she  had  been  ill-educated,  but  that  she  was  utterly 
incapable  of  education,  either  moral  or  mental. 
She  did  not  understand  him,  and  was  a constant 
source  of  mortification  and  sorrow,  but  she  was 
altogether  unconscious  of  any  shortcoming.  She 
belonged  to  another  race  of  beings,  to  a race 
which  comprehended  nothing  of  the  difference 
between  right  and  wrong,  between  duty  and 
transgression.  He  saw  it  all  now  for  the  first 
time — now,  when  it  was  too  late! 

Had  he  been  a thoughtless,  inconsiderate  fool? 
Had  he  taken  this  important  step  without  due 
reflection? 

No!  He  had  given  it  deep  and  mature  consid- 
eration. He  had  never  supposed  Kathi  perfect, 
even  in  the  first  hours  of  his  fascination,  but  he 
had  given  the  credit  of  all  her  failings  to  her 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWEB. 


159 


unhealthy  surroundings,  surroundings  which  he 
felt  must  have  forced  upon  her  a certain  degree  of 
moral  obliquity. 

He  felt  confident  that  as  soon  as  she  was  raised 
to  a higher  plane  all  such  deficiencies  in  charac- 
ter would  obliterate  themselves;  of  her  origin,  or 
of  the  fact  that  what  is  bred  in  the  bone  must  in 
time  come  to  the  surface,  he  had  taken  no 
thought.  “All  will  come  right,”  he  had  said 
repeatedly.  “Every  wife’s  worth  is  determined 
by  her  husband!  ” The  future  had  given  him  no 
anxiety.  All  his  terror  had  been  of  some 
unhappy  developments  from  the  past.  He  had 
feared  something  from  the  first,  for  Leo  Schnei- 
der’s careless  words  that  first  night  had  left  their 
sting:  “ She  hasn’t  waited  all  these  years  for  you 
to  come  from  Sumatra.” 

Now  everything  had  gone  contrary  to  either 
his  hopes  or  his  fears.  It  was  not  the  past,  but 
the  present,  which  brought  him  such  misery;  and 
as  to  the  future,  Hod  help  him!  he  could  not  face 
the  thought. 

He  had  no  feeling  of  anger  toward  his  wife, 
only  compassion  and  pain.  She,  poor,  untutored 
creature,  what  did  she  know  of  life?  Its  duties, 
its  obligations,  were  quite  beyond  her  narrow 
range.  On  him  alone  lay  all  the  blame.  Even 
though  she  had  a fipe  house,  horses  and  carriages, 
jewels  and  gowns,  her  lot  was  not  an  enviable 


160 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


one.  He  had  seized  her  almost  perforce,  and 
taken  her  from  the  sphere  in  which  she  was 
happy;  taken  her  into  a new  world,  between 
which  and  her  old  life  there  lay  an  impassable 
barrier.  It  was  no  matter  that  she  humiliated 
him,  no  one  was  to  blame  but  himself;  he  had 
rushed  in  impetuously  and  carried  her  off,  to  her 
enduring  unhappiness  as  well  as  his  own. 

The  thought  of  the  evil  which  he  had  wrought 
sent  the  blood  coursing  hotly  through  his  veins. 
Naturally,  it  was  impossible  for  her  to  be  in 
touch  with  his  kinsfolk.  N aturally,  too,  she  could 
not  comprehend  their  habits  or  manners,  though 
she  had  eyes  to  see  and  ears  to  hear.  Ellen’ s kind- 
liness, which  shone  in  her  face  and  beamed  from 
her  eyes,  had  made  no  impression;  neither  had 
Bella’s  simple,  gracious  manners  and  attractive 
personality,  nor  even  Wilhelm’s  hearty  brotherly 
greetings.  Kathi’ s pleasure  had  been  only  a low, 
almost  brutal  one,  to  sneer  at  and  make  fun  of 
them. 

Klaus  sighed  deeply.  “ I have  thrown  my  life 
and  happiness  into  an  abyss.  I have  been  blind, 
but  I have  loved  her  very  deeply.” 

The  tears  came  into  his  eyes;  they  rolled  down 
his  cheeks,  and  falling,  settled  into  icy  drops  on 
his  beard. 

“And  we  are  only  four  months  married — only 
four  months!  ” His  thoughts  took  another  turn. 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


161 


“All  would  be  well  yet,  if  she  only  loved  me. 
Love  would  smooth  out  all  the  wrinkles  in  time. 
But  she  does  not  love  me!  Poor  little  woman,  I 
have  felt  that  for  some  time!  ” 

He  turned  his  footsteps  once  more  toward  the 
city,  and  soon  was  in  the  midst  of  the  midnight 
life  and  stir.  A poor  child  of  about  fifteen  came 
up  to  him  and  begged  him  in  a whining  voice  to 
buy  matches  from  her.  He  felt  sorry  for  the  poor, 
ill-clad  creature,  and  stepped  under  a gas-light  to 
count  her  out  some  change;  he  found  his  purse 
contained  no  silver,  so  he  put  a five-mark  gold- 
piece  into  the  small  benumbed  hand.  The  girl 
thanked  him  effusively,  and  turned  her  great  eyes 
upon  him  as  she  did  so.  He  was  startled  by  the 
strong  resemblance  her  face  bore  to  Kathi’s,  and 
he  could  not  get  the  thought  of  this  singular 
resemblance  out  of  his  head  as  he  hurried  on 
toward  the  hotel. 

Before  he  arrived  there,  the  hallucination  had 
become  so  strong  that  he  could  scarcely  convince 
himself  that  it  was  not  Kathi  herself  who  was  the 
match-seller,  and  he  had  to  rub  his  eyes  and  rate 
himself  soundly  for  his  folly  before  he  could  rid 
himself  of  the  idea. 

As  he  entered  the  hotel,  he  could  hear  the  girl’s 
shuffling  walk  just  behind  him  and  her  sing-song 
cry  to  buy  her  wares.  He  would  not  have  looked 
around  again  for  worlds . In  answer  to  his  inquiry, 
11 


162 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


the  porter  told  him  that  his  brother  and  the  ladies 
were  still  in  their  own  rooms,  so  he  went  up  at  once 
and  knocked. 

Wilhelm  shouted  “ Come  in!  ” 

The  little  group  gathered  within  was  the  picture 
of  peace  and  happiness.  Ellen  had  the  faculty  of 
making  any  room  in  which  she  sat  bear,  in  an 
indescribably  short  time,  a homelike,  comfortable 
look.  There  was  nothing  of  the  stiff,  prim  look 
of  an  hotel  parlor  about  this  apartment.  Two 
large  lamps,  with  bright  shades,  cast  a rosy  glow 
over  the  room. 

Wilhelm,  in  dressing-gown  and  slippers,  lounged 
back  in  the  corner  of  a sofa  smoking;  beside  him 
sat  his  wife,  and  next  her,  Bella,  who  had  her  arm 
around  her  sister’s  waist  and  her  head  on  her 
shoulder.  Both  women  had  exchanged  their 
dinner-gowns  for  pretty  wrappers,  and  they  were 
all  talking  and  laughing  in  one  breath. 

“Hello!”  cried  Wilhelm,  astonished  at  his 
brother’s  nocturnal  visit. 

“It’s  old  St.  Nick”  himself,”  said  Bella  jok- 
ingly, as  she  arose  from  her  recumbent  position. 
The  exclamation  was  apropos. 

The  great  man  in  his  long  fur  coat  and  cap, 
with  his  frost-touched  beard,  reminded  one  forci- 
bly of  the  yearly  visitor  who  steals  down  the 
chimneys  “the  night  before  Christmas.” 

Wilhelm  arose  at  once  and  went  toward  his 
brother. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


163 


“Welcome,  old  fellow!  But  what  brings  you 
here  at  this  time  of  night?  Nothing  wrong,  I 
trust?” 

“Nothing  specially  wrong!  I’ll  tell  you  as 
soon  as  I get  thawed.” 

“ Take  your  own  time.” 

Klaus  had  by  this  time  thrown  aside  his  coat 
and  cap,  and  shook  hands  with  the  ladies,  who 
went  forward  to  greet  him. 

“Have  a cup  of  tea  with  us;  you  need  some- 
thing to  warm  you,”  said  Ellen,  turning  toward 
the  steaming  urn  on  the  table;  “and  we’ll  ring 
for—” 

“A  cup  of  tea,  but  nothing  else,  I beg,”  an- 
swered Klaus. 

Bella  placed  a chair  for  him  and  handed  him 
the  cup  of  tea  which  her  sister  had  just  poured. 

“I  had” — Klaus  hesitated  a moment — “I  had 
just  written  to  you,  and  intended  dropping  the 
letter  in  the  post-box,  when,  being  near  the  hotel, 
I decided  it  would  be  better  to  say  by  word  of 
mouth  what  I had  to  say,  for — my  wife — is  not 
quite — well.” 

It  was  fortunate  that  the  intense  cold  had  sent 
the  blood  tingling  to  his  cheeks,  otherwise  the 
added  tinge  which  his  face  assumed  would  have 
been  very  noticeable. 

“Nothing  serious,  I trust?”  Ellen  was  con- 
cerned at  once. 


164 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


“Nothing  serious.  But  she  will,  in  all  proba- 
bility, be  confined  to  her  bed  to-morrow,  and  I 
thought,  perhaps,  it  would  be  just  as  well — ” 

He  stopped  and  stammered,  and  looked  help- 
lessly around. 

“Yes,  I understand,”  said  Wilhelm’s  wife  hast- 
ily. “Our  first  care  must  be  for  your  wife’s 
health.  This  weather  is  so  severe;  she  did  not 
look  well  at  dinner  to-night.  She  has  overex- 
erted herself,  and  must  be  kept  quiet  to-morrow. 
W e would  have  liked  to  spend  the  holy  evening 
together,  but  we  are  none  of  us  sentimental,  and 
the  principal  thing  is  to  get  Kathi  well  again  as 
soon  as  possible.” 

“To  be  sure,”  agreed  Wilhelm;  “that  is  the 
principal  thing.” 

“ And,”  continued  Ellen,  desirous  of  putting 
Klaus  at  his  ease,  “ I am  just  as  well  satisfied, 
for,  to  be  honest,  I could  not  let  my  baby  be  out 
at  night  in  such  weather,  and  I hate  to  be  sepa- 
rated from  him  on  such  a holiday.” 

Klaus  drank  his  tea  slowly,  and  said,  without 
taking  his  eyes  from  his  cup,  in  a sad,  heavy 
voice: 

“lam  sorry,  very  sorry,  we  can  not  be  together.  ’ ’ 

“We’ll  go  and  inquire  how  your  wife  is  the 
first  thing  in  the  morning,”  said  Bella. 

“Thank  you,  Fraulein,  but  you  must  not 
trouble  yourself;  it  is  really  not  necessary,” 


ME.  AMD  MBS.  BEWEB. 


165 


answered  Klans,  still  without  raising  his  eyes. 
“I  will  send  a messenger  early,  or  perhaps  come 
myself.” 

“Come  yourself,  old  fellow,  come  yourself. 
We  haven’t  half  seen  you  yet,  and  you  must  see 
our  boy  after  his  night’s  rest,  when  he  is  fresh.” 

“Thank  you,  Wilhelm.  I believe  I will  come 
myself.” 

His  eyes  were  still  fastened  on  his  cup.  The 
three  others  exchanged  fleeting,  questioning 
glances. 

“You  can  do  me  a little  favor,”  said  Klaus, 
rising  and  swaying  backward  for  a moment  as  a 
haze  came  before  his  eyes.  “ Send  this  letter  by 
the  hotel  porter  to  its  address  the  first  thing  in 
the  morning.” 

“It  shall  be  sent  at  once,”  said  Wilhelm,  ris- 
ing; but  Bella  was  before  him,  and  had  touched 
the  electric  bell. 

“I  fear  you  are  not  well,  Klaus,”  said  Wilhelm 
anxiously,  laying  his  hand  on  his  shoulder. 

“There’s  nothing  the  matter  with  me  only  a 
headache,  and  we  all  have  headaches,”  said 
Klaus,  striving,  and  failing,  to  speak  carelessly. 

Bella  had  in  the  meantime  given  the  letter  for 
Leo  Schneider  to  a waiter.  / 

Klaus  watched  it  with  singular  interest,  and 
when  the  man  had  gone,  turned  to  get  his  coat. 

“ Oh,  do  not  go  yet,”  remonstrated  Ellen, 


166 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


“ Yes,  I must  go.  'Do  not  detain  me.  I would 
rather  go!  ” 

There  was  such  deep  sadness  in  his  voice  that 
no  one  said  a word  further.  Wilhelm  helped 
him  silently  with  his  coat,  and  gave  him  his 
gloves  and  cap. 

“It  is  much  better  that  I should  go,”  the 
unhappy  man  said  after  a minute,  “much  bet- 
ter! ” 

He  said  “good-night”  to  all,  wrung  his  broth- 
er’s hand,  and  was  gone. 

The  three  stood  and  looked  at  one  another  in 
silence  for  a minute. 

“ The  poor  man!  ” said  Bella. 

“It  makes  my  heart  ache,”  said  Helen;  “one 
can  see  how  much  he  suffers.” 

‘ ‘ Don’ t trouble  yourselves  too  much  about  him, 
girls,”  remarked  Wilhelm  philosophically.  “I 
can  see  the  poor  fellow’s  wretchedly  unhappy 
just  now,  but  it’ll  all  blow  over.  There’s  been  a 
scene  at  home,  that’s  all,  and  just  now  it  appears 
to  Klaus  worse  than  it  really  is.  Frau  Kathi  has 
flown  in  a tantrum  over  something,  perhaps  over 
your  gown,  or  your  playing,  Bella,  or  over  my 
bald  head,  or  because  some  patties  which  we 
never  missed  were  spoiled  and  consequently  could 
not  be  served.  Perhaps  Klaus  is  the  one  to 
blame;  he  may  have  scolded  her  for  not  singing 
— I have  no  doubt  he  did.  One  word  brought  on 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


167 


another,  doubtless  Kathi  wept,  perhaps  capped 
the  climax  by  fainting,  and  that  is  the  desperate 
illness  which  has  bowed  the  oak.” 

“No,  Wilhelm,  I believe  it  is  something  more 
serious  than  that.” 

“ Well,  let  us  hope,  at  least,  that  it  isn’t.  If  I 
judge  my  pretty  little  sister-in-law  aright,  it  will 
soon  blow  over.  She  does  not  seem  to  me  to  be  of 
a passionate  temperament.  She  is,  for  a woman  of 
her  age,  remarkably  temperate  and  collected. 
When  I think  of  her,  she  reminds  me  of  one  of 
Bach’s  preludes  or  fugues.  She  is  a well-tem- 
pered piano  with — ” 

“Without  any  sounding-board,”  said  Ellen, 
finishing  his  sentence  for  him.  “Poor  Klaus,  I 
can  not  get  him  out  of  my  mind;  as  I said  before, 
he  has  quite  won  my  heart.  I love  him  already 
like  a brother,  and  as  if  I had  known  him  all  my 
life  long.  I can  make  nothing  out  of  his  wife, 
though.  She  puzzles  me  sorely.  She  said  noth- 
ing foolish  or  out  of  the  way — she  hardly  spoke 
at  all,  for  that  matter;  but  when  she  did  open 
her  lips,  I had  no  indication  from  her  words  what 
her  real  thoughts  might  be.  She  appeared  to  me ' 
like  a foreigner  who  did  not  rightly  understand 
our  tongue,  and  in  consequence  feared  to  go 
beyond  the  most  simple  sentences.  I am  con- 
vinced, however,  that  she  is  not  a well-educated 
woman,  and  her  early  associations  have,  at  least, 


168  ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEK. 

been  unfortunate.  She  does  not  act  like  a woman 
whose  social  intercourse  has  made  her  sure  of 
herself.  Perhaps  I have  no  right  to  say  this  after 
only  one  evening’s  intercourse,  but  before  we  left 
the  dinner-table  I found  myself  saying:  ‘ She  is 
without  culture,  and  I fear  without  any  educa- 
tion.’ But  she  is  a woman  of  tact,  and  in  time — 
perhaps — we  may  become  warm  friends;  her  lovely 
face  has  attracted  me  greatly,  and  I mean  to  love 
her  if  she  will  let  me.  Poor  Klaus,  something 
serious  has  happened  to  make  him  so  sad.” 

“Well,”  said  Wilhelm,  throwing  himself  back 
on  the  sofa,  “if  lack  of  education  were  all,  much 
could  be  overcome  with  a quick-witted  young 
woman  anxious  to  improve;  but  if  the  defect  lies 
deeper,  if  her  disposition  is  not  what  it  should  be, 
then  the  matter  is  much  more  serious.” 

“You  don’t  understand  anything  about  it, 
Wilhelm.  You  speak  as  a theorist,  just  because 
you  had  the  good  fortune  to  marry  an  educated 
woman  yourself!  ” said  Ellen. 

“Bella,”  laughed  Wilhelm,  “make  your  sister 
a courtesy,  the  finest  you  learned  in  Dresden.  ” 

“Pm  quite  in  earnest,  ” his  wife  went  on.  “We 
have  an  example  in  our  own  family,  in  papa’s 
eldest  brother,  our  Uncle  John.  He  married  a 
woman  greatly  beneath  him;  he  thought  he  could 
elevate  her,  but  the  result  was,  as  it  invariably  is, 
she  lowered  him — all  because  she  was  an  unedu- 


\ 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE.  169 

cated  woman.  He  strove  to  bring  lier  into  society, 
but  it  was  a failure,  and  through,  her  he  lost  his 
social  position;  yet  she  was  a good,  industrious 
woman.  Uncle  John’s  whole  life  was  spoiled  by 
this  marriage.  Education  is  not  everything,  but 
it  is  much;  without  it  the  battle  is  lost.  If  our 
child  were  not  taught  to  use  his  little  legs,  what 
use  would  they  be  to  him?  Only  a burden  as  he 
crawled  over  the  earth;  and  a nature  which  has 
not  been  trained  and  tutored  must  crawl,  too,  all 
its  days.  I know  I do  not  give  a perfect  illustra- 
tion, but  you  know  what  I mean.  I have  no 
desire  to  make  women  servants.  I do  not  think 
it  necessary  for  Bella  to  spend  thirty  or  forty 
years  in  study,  although  it’s  to  a woman’s  credit 
if  she  has  the  taste;  but  like  consorts  with  like. 
A cultivated  man's  wife  must,  if  she  is  one  with 
him,  incite  him  constantly  to  renewed  efforts,  and 
must  interest  herself  in  his  life,  and  sympathize 
or  admonish,  as  she  sees  the  necessity.  She  must, 
if  she  has  grown  up  in  a refined  atmosphere,  have 
within  herself,  no  matter  how  deeply  hidden,  the 
germs  of  faith,  love,  truth,  friendship,  woman- 
hood—in  a word,  all  which  makes  life  worth  liv- 
ing. The  exterior  circumstances  of  life  amount 
to  little.  She  can  accommodate  herself  to  the 
etiquette  of  the  highest  social  circles,  or  to  the 
plainer  forms  of  simple,  every-day  life.  I have 
known  millionaires  who  could  never  acquire  such 


170 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


an  education,  it  was  contrary  to  their  nature;  and 
day-laborers,  to  whom,  given  equal  opportunities, 
such  attainment  would  be  second  nature;  and  the 
latter,  if  married  to  a millionaire,  would  have 
made  a false  step.  All  persons  who  marry  with- 
out being  equals,  without  meeting  upon  one  plat- 
form, no  matter  in  what  station  of  life,  make  a 
mesalliance” 

“Hear!  hear!  She  speaks  like  a book,”  said 
Wilhelm,  laughing.  “I  need  not  tell  you  that 
you  have  convinced  me.  But,  children,  after  such 
a peroration,  we’d  better  retire.  We’ve  had  a 
tiresome  day — five  hours  in  the  cars,  two  at  the 
dinner-table,  one  for  music;  so  that  now,  after 
Ellen’s  eloquent  sermon,  I feel  the  need  of  rest.” 

Bella  had  said  nothing  since  Klaus’s  departure; 
she  sat  in  her  corner  listening  and  thinking.  She 
rose  now  at  her  brother’ s words,  and  kissing  them 
both,  bade  them  good-night  and  went  to  her  own 
room. 

She  dismissed  the  sleepy  maid  who  was  waiting 
to  assist  her,  and  undressed  slowly,  very  slowly. 
She  loosened  and  brushed  her  luxuriant  golden 
hair.  She  spent  much  more  time  over  it  than 
usual,  but  did  it  automatically,  as  if  she  had  no 
interest  in  her  work.  She  was  thinking  on  a sub- 
ject entirely  foreign  to  herself.  The  picture  of  a 
tall,  handsome,  fair  man,  with  a sad,  downcast, 
hopeless  face  and  manner,  was  ever  before  her 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


171 


eyes.  Suddenly  she  closed  her  eyes,  as  if  to  put 
all  thoughts  of  this  stranger  out  of  her  mind, 
but  they  would  come  back;  and  once  her  lips 
parted  and  she  broke  into  a smile.  She  shook 
her  head  impatiently  now. 

“ What  a stupid  thing  I am.  Such  dreams  are 
sinful,”  and  she  threw  down  her  brush  and  fin- 
ished her  preparations  for  bed  in  all  haste.  Then 
she  kneeled  and  said  her  prayers,  and,  after  ex- 
tinguishing her  light,  laid  her  pretty  head  on  the 
pillow  and  was  soon  fast  asleep. 

The  match-seller,  elated  by  her  good  fortune, 
was  waiting  in  the  Pariser  platz  for  the  big  man 
who  had  been  so  free  with  his  gold.  As  he 
emerged  from  the  hotel  entrance,  she  approached 
him  and  renewed  her  whining  cries  to  buy  her 
matches. 

“ Get  out  of  my  way!  ” said  Klaus,  in  so  harsh 
a tone  that  the  girl  turned  in  affright  from  him. 

She  stood  staring  about  her  for  a minute,  with 
a surprised  look  in  her  eyes.  Then  she  made  a 
quick  gesture  with  her  hand,  and  exclaimed,  in  a 
shrill,  impertinent  tone,  “ Geh  zum  teufel!  ” and 
turning  went  quickly  in  the  direction  of  the  Bauer 
Cafe. 

Klaus  hailed  a passing  drosky  and  was  driven 
quickly  home. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


It  was  Christmas  morning.  Klaus  could  hear 
the  children  in  the  street  chanting  : 

“Peace  and  good  will,  good  will  and  peace, 

In  liis  dear  name  who  loves  us  all.” 

He  sat  in  his  study,  with  his  head  between  his 
hands  and  his  eyes  fixed  on  the  green  leather  cover 
of  his  writing-table.  How  long  he  had  been  thus 
sitting  he  could  not  have  told.  Since  yesterday 
a terrible  change  had  come  over  him.  He  had 
been  blind,  but  now  the  scales  had  dropped  from 
his  eyes. 

For  the  first  time  he  saw  the  fathomless  pit 
which  divided  him  from  his  wife;  a pit  which 
time  could  never  bridge,  because  she  had  no  love 
for  him. 

That  was  the  secret  of  it  all — she  did  not  love 
him.  He  had  never  questioned  himself — of  late 
had  not  dared  to  question  himself — but  now  the 
truth  was  burned  into  his  brain;  she  did  not  love 
him. 

He  had  had  great  hopes  during  his  brief  engage- 
ment that  she  would  learn  to  do  so,  had  not 
despaired  even  during  their  infelicitous  honey- 

(173) 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


173 


moon,  and  hope  had  almost  brightened  into  cer- 
tainty since  their  return  to  Berlin.  Now  his 
mind’s  eye  flew  like  an  eagle’s  over  his  short 
season  of  intercourse  with  Kathi,  from  that  first 
fateful  night  until  to-day.  She  had  rejoiced, 
honestly  rejoiced,  over  her  presents,  and  had 
given  him  profuse  but  superficial  thanks;  nothing 
else,  as  he  now  remembered. 

She  had  been  pleased  with  her  new  surround- 
ings, her  vanity  had  been  flattered,  and  she  had 
made  many  purring  speeches  — speeches  which 
contained  neither  depth  nor  heart. 

She,  whom  until  now  he  had  hoped  to  keep 
ever  by  his  side,  he  saw,  as  he  calmly  reviewed 
their  short  life,  was  removed  forever  from  him. 
Between  her  and  him  other  figures  crowded  them- 
selves before  his  view;  he  saw  the  open,  happy 
face  of  his  brother,  the  peaceful,  contented  smile 
of  his  sister-in-law,  and  the  fresh,  girlish  counte- 
nance of  the  lovely  young  San  Franciscan,  with 
her  roe-like  eyes  and  her  golden  hair,  and  for  a 
moment  it  was  a great  comfort  to  him  that  he 
would  have  others  in  his  life  of  whom  now  to 
think  rather  than  of  his  wife,  who  neither  cared 
for  nor  understood  him.  He  could  not  think  of 
the  future;  he  dared  not  think  of  it. 

A servant  knocked  at  the  door,  and,  receiving 
permission  to  enter,  handed  his  master  a letter, 
explaining  as  he  did  so  that  a messenger  was  wait- 


174 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


ing  for  a reply.  Klaus  opened  it  and  read  as 
follows: 

‘ ‘ December  25,  1878. 

“ It  is  more  than  kind  of  you,  dear  friend,  and 
of  your  charming  wife,  also,  to  remember  a deso- 
late old  bachelor  and  invite  him  to  share  in  the 
joys  of  a Christmas-tree  and  stretch  his  legs 
under  your  mahogany  on  so  happy  and  sacred  a 
holiday.  But,  alas!  1 shall  have  to  decline,  and 
for  a reason  which  I will  explain  forthwith.  An 
old  friend  and  colleague  of  mine,  Arnold  Specht, 
of  whom  you  doubtless  have  heard  me  speak,  is 
in  town  for  a few  days;  and,  although  I have  no 
special  engagement  with  him  for  to-day,  I feel 
the  demands  of  friendship  bind  me  to  his  side. 
Specht  is  a charming  fellow;  I want  you  to  meet 
him  while  he  is  here.  With  many,  many  thanks 
for  your  thoughtfulness,  and  sincere  sorrow  that 
I can  not  be  one  of  you  to-night, 

“ I remain  regretfully  yours, 

“Leo  S.” 

“ P.  S.  The  messenger  is  paid.” 

“Did  you  say  someone  was  waiting  for  an 
answer?”  asked  Klaus. 

“Yes,  Herr  Bewer.” 

Klaus  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

“Ah,  I see!”  he  muttered,  understanding  for 
the  first  that  Leo  was  hinting  for  an  invitation 
for  his  friend. 

“Is  my  wife  in  her  room?  ” 

“ She  is  in  the  drawing-room,  mein  Herr.” 

Kathi  and  Glustel  were  busy  adorning  the  tree. 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BE  WEB. 


175 


“Leo  declines,*’  said  Klaus,  going  to  his  wife. 

“ Oh,  what  a pity!  ” 

“Here  is  his  letter.” 

Kathi  looked  over  it  quickly,  and  understood 
Leo’s  silent  petition  at  a glance. 

“ How  you  startle  one.  He  doesn’t  decline  at 
all,  only  if  he  comes  he  must  bring  Arnold  Specht 
with  him.  You  have  no  objection  to  inviting  him? 
He’s  one  of  our  leading  actors.  I’ve  always  had 
the  greatest  admiration  for  him,  and  am  delighted 
at  the  opportunity  of  meeting  him.  Don’t  look 
so  stupid  and  doleful,  my  dear;  just  write  Leo  a 
few  words.” 

“As  you  wish,”  said  Klauts.  He  thought  a 
moment.  “I’d  be  glad  if  you’d  write  the  letter 
yourself,  Kathi;  perhaps  I wouldn’t  write  cor- 
dially enough.” 

“Very  well;  I’ll  do  it  gladly.” 

She  hurried  into  the  adjoining  room  and  wrote 
at  once,  crossing  out  three  or  four  words,  leaving 
a big  blot,  and  writing  delighted  four  different 
times.  She  came  back  to  show  it  to  Klaus,  but 
he  had  already  left  the  drawing-room  and  was 
once  more  shut  up  in  his  own  sanctum. 

The  messenger  took  the  note  to  Leo.  The  latter 
was  pleased,  but  not  surprised. 

Kathi  and  Grustel  went  back  to  the  trimming 
of  the  tree. 

“I  don’t  know  what’s  come  over  Herr  Bewer,’’ 


176 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


said  his  wife,  as  she  tied  a chocolate  cow  with  gay 
ribbons  onto  a low  branch;  “he’s  had  the  dumps 
since  yesterday.” 

“All  men  have  their  humors.  What  else  can 
we  expect?”  said  Gustel,  with  motherly  wisdom. 

“I  have  been  thinking — but  of  course  it  is  folly 
— that  the  lovely  creature  with  the  great  feet 
has — ” 

“You’d  better  be  careful,  my  lady.” 

“What  do  you  mean,  Gustel,  telling  me  I’d 
better  be  careful,  when  I have  said  nothing?  You 
take  too  much  upon  yourself,  and  I will  not  put 
up  with  it,”  said  Kathi  angrily. 

“Pardon  me,  gnadige  Frau,  you  have  misun- 
derstood me.  I only  meant — ” 

“Well,  well,  that’s  all  right,  Gustel;  you’re  a 
good  soul.  Tell  me,  Gustel,”  she  added  a second 
later,  in  a good-natured  tone,  “what  had  I better 
give  this  friend  of  Leo’s,  Herr  Specht,  for  a 
Christmas-gift?  He  must  have  something  as  our 
guest  to-night,  but  my  husband  has  not  thought 
of  it;  he  never  takes  any  responsibility.  I’ll  give 
the  smoking-set  to  Herr  Schneider,  but  instead 
of  giving  the  silver-clasped  portfolio  to  Herr 
Bewer,  I’ll  give  it  to  the  stranger,  and  my  husband 
shall  have  the  pair  of  Dresden  shepherdesses 
which  I intended  for  Ellen.  I made  up  my  mind 
last  night  to  keep  them  for  myself.” 

“I’m  sure  my  master  will  be  delighted  with  the 
Dresden  figures,”  Gustel  interpolated. 


V 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB.  177 

“They  are  very  expensive,”  continued  Kathi, 
“especially  the  one  with  the  cap.  You  know 
yourself  what  care  I took  in  their  selection. 
Then  I can  give  him  that  case  I bought  to  hold 
the  house-keys.” 

The  tree  was  ready  at  last.  It  stood  on  a great 
table  in  the  center  of  the  long  drawing-room. 
The  table  was  covered  with  a damask  cloth,  and 
fruits,  candies,  cakes,  and  nuts  were  distributed 
over  it  in  lavish  profusion.  The  gifts  for  Klaus 
and  the  expected  guests  lay  on  it  also,  under  the 
branches  of  the  gaily  decorated  fir-tree.  Not- 
withstanding Kathi’ s endeavors,  the  tree  and  table 
had  an  undefinable  gloomy  look  not  at  all  associ- 
ated with  the  idea  of  a merry  Christmas-tide. 

For  the  past  few  weeks  Klaus  had  been  buying 
whatever  his  eye  rested  upon  which  he  thought 
would  please  his  wife.  The  large  desk  in  his 
study  was  filled  with  packages  of  various  shapes 
and  sizes.  He  had  rejoiced  over  his  growing  pile, 
and  had  ordered  elaborate  floral  decorations  for 
the  table.  These  decorations  were  to  be  a secret 
until  the  last  moment.  The  past  twenty-four  hours 
had  driven  from  his  head  all  thought  of  his  order. 
He  was  now  reminded  of  it  by  the  servant’ s an- 
nouncement that  the  florist  had  arrived.  Klaus 
had  lost  all  pleasure  in  the  day;  its  celebration 
seemed  to  him  now,  brooding  and  unhappy,  a 

very  childish  affair  altogether.  He  told  the  man 

12 


178  MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 

to  take  all  the  packages  from  the  drawers  and 
place  them  on  the  table  just  as  they  were;  it 
would  not  be  necessary  to  remove  the  wrappings, 
he  added;  and  to  tell  the  gardener  to  arrange  the 
flowers  as  he  saw  fit. 

To  the  florist,  who  was  an  artist  in  his  way,  it 
was  a difficult  order;  so  many  parcels,  with  their 
parti-colored  paper  coverings,  gave  the  table  an 
incongruous  appearance  which  all  his  roses  and 
camellias  could  not  dissipate.  He  shook  his  head 
sulkily  as  he  strove  to  cover  the  most  unsightly 
with  his  leaves  and  blossoms,  and  give  the  table  a 
gala-day  appearance. 

The  guests  were  invited  for  dinner  at  6.  The 
drawing-room  was  not  to  be  opened  -until  8. 

Leo  and  Arnold  Specht  appeared,  with  that 
punctuality  which  is  part  of  the  education  of  all 
true  actors,  at  just  6.  Leo  thanked  Herr  and 
Frau  Bewer  profusely  for  showing  so  much  hos- 
pitality toward  his  friend  and  himself;  it  had 
surprised  and  touched  him. 

Herr  Specht,  too,  made  his  little  speech;  he  had 
not  deserved  such  an  honor!  Then  he  smiled  and 
bowed  low,  in  token  that  words  were  not  given 
him  in  which  to  express  all  he  felt. 

Arnold  Specht  was  a handsome  man.  He  was 
about  forty  years  of  age,  and  tall — though  he  had 
attained  by  no  means  to  Klaus’  s gigantic  propor- 
tions— slender,  and  gracefully  formed,  with  small 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


179 


feet  and  white,  well-kept  hands,  with  long,  per- 
fectly trimmed  nails.  His  bearing  was  that  of  a 
man  who  recognized  the  importance  of  looking  well 
on  all  occasions,  and  who  was  always  prepared 
for  scrutiny  through  the  lorgnette.  His  chest 
was  broad,  his  arms  well  developed,  and  he  car- 
ried his  head  with  an  air  of  complacent  self-con- 
sciousness. His  skin  was  Almost  brown,  his  eyes 
were  black  and  full  of  expression,  his  hair,  which 
was  dark  too,  was  carefully  curled  by  a friseur, 
and  one  Hamlet-like  lock  fell  over  his  forehead. 
His  voice,  which  he  had  had  carefully  cultivated 
after  the  mode  of  Emil  Devrient,  was  full  and 
soft.  He  spoke  slowly,  distinctly,  and  rolled 
his  r's. 

As  soon  as  he  had  sufficiently  recovered  from 
the  emotions  which  overpowered  him,  he  could 
scarcely  find  words  enough  in  which  to  express 
his  thanks. 

“And  to  think  that  this  day,  of  all  others, 
should  bring  me  such  good  fortune!  Who  can 
laugh  at  the  beautiful  legends  of  childhood  con- 
cerning Santa  Claus?  Have  not  the  portals  of  a 
lovely  palace  been  opened  to  me  by  a Christmas 
fairy?” 

He  was  deeply  moved,  his  voice  trembled,  he 
could  almost  have  wept,  but  it  was  too  early  in 
the  evening. 

Klaus  greeted  his  guests  cordially,  and  strove 


180 


l 

. ' \ 

ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 

to  hide  his  own  sufferings,  but  iJeo’s  sharp  eyes 
perceived  at  once  that  something  was  amiss.  He 
took  his  host  aside. 

“ What’s  the  matter  with  you,  old  boy?  You 
seem  out  of  sorts.” 

“I’ve  been  suffering  with  my  head  terribly 
since  yesterday,”  Klaus  explained,  and,  as  Kathi 
and  Herr  Specht  approached  them  at  this  moment, 
he  added,  raising  his  voice,  “I  must  warn  my 
guests  in  advance  and  crave  their  indulgence,  for  I 
will  not  be  a very  entertaining  host  this  evening. 
I am  decidedly  under  the  weather.” 

Specht  was  so  deeply  moved  by  this  communica- 
tion that  he  looked  as  if  he  had  lost  his  last  friend. 

“My  wife  will  endeavor  to  compensate  for  all 
my  shortcomings.  I beg  you  will  not  be  dis- 
turbed by  my  taciturnity  to-night — I’ll  strive  not 
to  interfere  with  your  gaiety.  And  now  let  us  go 
to  dinner.  Herr  Specht,  will  you  be  good  enough 
to  escort  my  wife?  ” 

Specht  made  a profound  bow,  and,  with  his 
sweetest  smile  and  most  languishing  look,  offered 
his  arm  to  Kathi. 

And  the  hostess — could  this  gay,  rosy-cheeked, 
laughing  girl  be  the  same  as  she  who,  so  silent  and 
listless,  so  apathetic  and  almost  sneering,  had  sat 
in  the  selfsame  place  only  twenty-four  hours 
before?  Never  had  she  looked  so  lovely,  so  win- 
ning, so  fascinating,  as  to-night. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


181 


By  the  end  of  the  third  course  Specht  had  laid 
aside  his  semi-sentimental  mask  for  a more  pas- 
sionate, fiery  manner.  His  great  eyes  flashed  as 
he  laughed  and  talked  and  drank  his  host’s 
choice  vintage. 

“Ah,”  he  exclaimed,  after  once  more  draining 
his  glass,  “ a draught  for  a king!  And  now,  my 
friends,”  and  he  arose,  while  his  face  assumed  the 
artificial  happy  expression  which  is  thought  nec- 
essary for  the  toast-giver,  “while  the  wine  rejoices 
our  hearts,  why  should  we  not  prove  how  joyous 
and  gay  we  are?  My  heart  is  full  of  gratitude 
toward  our  charming  host  and  hostess,  to  whom  I 
was  but  one  short  hour  ago  an  entire  stranger, 
but  whom  I now  number  among  my  chosen 
friends.  But  when  the  heart  is  full — what  is  it, 
Leo?  ” and  he  interrupted  himself. 

Leo,  who  had  not  moved,  only  raised  his  eye- 
brows. 

“ And  when  the  heart  is  full — the  words  which 
are  burning  within  me  can  not  find  expression.” 

He  made  an  effective  pause,  looking  profound 
and  sad  the  while. 

“I  will  not  say  that  I shall  ever  hold  this 
blessed  Christmas-night  among  my  most  sacred 
memories;  I will  not  say  that  the  best  Christmas- 
gift  which  a poor  man,  Hamlet-like,  could  lay  on 
this  hearth  would  be  his  blessing  and  prayers 
for  the  well-being  and  prosperity  of  all  within 


182 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEB. 


these  walls;  I will  not  speak  of  the  goodness  of 
our  host,  who  stands  steadfast  and  true,  like  the 
watch  on  the  Rhine;  I need  not  speak  of  the 
maidenly  reserve  and  charming  dignity  of  this 
young  wife,  who  moves  me  one  moment  to  laugh- 
ter, and  the  next  to  pray  heaven  to  protect  her 
ever  and  keep  her  always  so  pure  and  gracious 
as  now — I will  say  nothing  of  all  these,  I will 
only  ask  you  to  remember  them  when  we  drink 
to  the  long  and  happy  life  of” — a pause,  he  had 
already  refilled  his  glass — “Herr  and  Frau 
Bewer.” 

The  glasses  clinked  together.  Leo  noticed  with 
disagreeable  surprise  that  as  Arnold’s  glass 
touched  Kathi’s  their  fingers  also  touched,  and 
that  he  gave  an  insolent,  admiring  glance  at  the 
“pure  and  gracious”  wife  whom  he  had  just 
extolled. 

After  this  Herr  Specht  sat  down,  well  contented 
with  himself.  Upon  thinking  it  over,  he  discov- 
ered that  his  toast  had  been  not  only  brilliant 
but  intellectual,  original  too,  and  that  pleased 
him  greatly. 

Kathi  was  in  raptures  over  this  stranger’s  elo- 
quence. 

Leo  looked  at  his  friend  rather  quizzically;  evi- 
dently he  regarded  the  performance  as  mediocre 
in  the  extreme.  Klaus,  after  listening  to  the  first 
fulsome  sentence  or  two,  paid  no  further  heed  to 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


183 


his  guest’s  panegyric,  but  sank  again  into  a 
depressing,  hopeless  reverie. 

By  the  time  the  roast  was  brought  on,  the  other 
three  were  in  the  gayest  of  gay  humors,  and  Leo 
and  Herr  Specht  vied  with  one  another  in  saying 
sparkling  nothings.  Their  host  was  absent- 
minded  and  indifferent,  but  that  fact  did  not 
lessen  the  handsome  actor’s  silent  but  expressive 
homage  to  the  young  wife.  Specht  was  a fine  ven- 
triloquist, and  when  he  saw  how  ready  Kathi  was 
to  laugh  at  anything  he  said  or  did,  he  went 
through  the  whole  gamut  of  mimicry,  from  the 
crowing  of  a cock  to  the  whistle  of  a locomotive, 
all  of  which  greatly  delighted  his  lovely  hostess, 
who  laughed  until  the  tears  ran  down  her  cheeks. 
“When  had  she  been  so  well  amused  before?” 
she  asked  herself,  with  a satisfied  sigh.  When 
Arnold  ended  his  performances  by  singing,  or 
rather  humming,  the  song  of  the  fly  who  returned 
ever  and  anon  to  the  nose  of  the  intoxicated 
sleeper,  Kathi  felt  that  she  was  enjoying  the 
refinement  of  pleasure,  and  was  tempted  to  throw 
her  arms  around  this  captivating  creature  who  did 
so  much  for  her  entertainment. 

Leo  had  enjoyed  his  dinner  heartily,  and  was  well 
satisfied  to  let  his  friend  play  the  mountebank;  but 
when  the  coffee  was  served,  he  felt  his  hour  had 
come  and  that  he  could  now  conduce  to  the  gen- 
eral entertainment.  He  had  drank  enough  wine 


184 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


by  this  time  to  undertake  a juggler’s  trick,  which 
he  performed  by  balancing  his  cup  of  mocha  on 
the  thin,  narrow-rimmed  saucer.  He  was  loudly 
applauded  by  the  two  attentive  watchers,  but  to 
Kathi  his  slight-of-hand  achievements  were  infi- 
nitely less  amusing  than  anything  which  Arnold 
Specht  said  or  did. 

Leo  and  his  confrere  told  innumerable  anec- 
dotes as  they  lingered  long  over  the  “walnuts  and 
the  wine,”  and  Klaus  sat  silent  and  unhappy,  as 
Kathi  had  done  the  previous  evening. 

And  this  was  a Christmas-feast  in  his  own  house! 
And  these  were  his  guests!  Two  comedians  and 
— God  help  him — his  own  wife!  And  his  own 
kinsfolk,  his  brother,  for  whom  his  soul  yearned, 
from  whom  he  had  been  separated  by  distances 
both  of  time  and  space,  were  within  a stone’s  throw 
of  his  house,  and  yet  he  could  not  have  them  with 
him!  “Thank  God!”  he  muttered,  looking  at 
the  flushed,  excited  faces  of  his  companions — 
“thank  God  that  I can  not!  ” 

Then  the  old  anthem  so  familiar  in  his  child- 
hood days  came  back  to  him,  fraught  with  mem- 
ories of  his  boyhood  in  the  old  city  of  Liibeck: 

The  Christmas-bells  are  ringing, 

This  joyful  holy  night, 

And  heavenly  hosts  are  singing 
Of  peace  and  hope  and  light. 

“What  is  the  matter  with  you,  Klaus?”  his 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEK. 


185 


wife  exclaimed  suddenly.  ‘ ‘ I never  saw  you  look 
so  doleful  before!  Are  you  angry  with  us  for 
enjoying  ourselves?” 

“ On  the  contrary,  -Kathi,  I am  very  glad;  but, 
as  I told  you  before,  I am  not  well.” 

His  wife  went  to  his  side,  and  said  in  a low 
tone,  “You  are  thinking  of  your  people;  lean 
see  that.  Why  not  go  and  spend  a few  hours 
with  them.  I am  perfectly  willing  to  have  you. 
You  are  not  enjoying  yourself  here,  and  a chat 
with  your  brother  will  make  you  feel  better.  You 
can  take  the  child  the  toys  I had  bought  for  him. 
I confess  I forgot  all  about  them  until  this 
moment.  The  servants  are  lighting  the  tree  now, 
and  in  five  minutes  we  will  adjourn  to  the  draw- 
ing-room; then,  after  you  get  your  gifts — I haven’t 
very  much  for  you,  my  dear — you  can  slip  away, 
and  I will  make  it  all  right  with  the  guests.” 

With  this  she  turned  again  to  her  guests. 

Klaus  drew  a sigh  of  relief  that  so  pleasant  a 
prospect  had  been  opened  before  him.  He  could 
not  sit  all  evening  and  listen  to  the  chatter  and 
laughter  which  was  going  on  around  him;  he  had 
realized  that  for  the  past  hour. 

At  the  same  time,  such  is  the  inconsistency  of 
human  nature,  he  felt  a sharp  heart-pang  at  his 
wife’ s evident  eagerness  to  get  rid  of  him.  It  was 
very  apparent  that  on  this  holy  Christmas  even- 
ing, when  all  Germany  was  holding  happy  fam- 


186 


MB.  AND  MRS.  BEVEE. 


ily  reunions,  he,  the  husband,  was  being  turned 
away,  as  it  were,  from  his  own  hearth-stone. 

Leo  and  Arnold  were  charmed  with  their  lovely 
gifts.  The  latter  protested  over  and  over  again 
that  it  was  too  much;  he  had  never  hoped  to  own 
so  exquisite  a portfolio;  and — as  he  opened  and 
closed  it  repeatedly — to  come  from  the  hands  of 
so  gracious  and  fascinating  a hostess,  was  too 
much — too  much! 

Klaus  thanked  his  wife  for  the  Dresden  figures, 
and  listened  good-naturedly  while  she  explained 
how  rare  in  design  and  how  expensive  they  were. 

Then  Kathi  began  a series  of  exclamations,  in 
divers  joyful  keys,  as  she  found  the  presents  for 
herself,  which  the  florist  had  distributed  under 
the  decorations.  She  turned  finally  to  thank  her 
husband,  but  he  had  disappeared. 

“Ah,  so  he’s  gone!  Perhaps  it’s  just  as  well,” 
she  muttered  under  her  breath.  And  turning  to 
her  guests,  she  said: 

“You  really  must  excuse  my  husband;  he  is  not 
well,  and  has  gone  to  spend  a quiet  evening  with 
his  kinsfolk.  Now  we  can  have  a good  time.  Go 
on  with  your  mimicry,  my  dear  Herr  Specht;  it  is 
so  delightful. 

Herr  Specht  was  not  affected  one  way  or  the 
other  by  the  announcement  of  his  host’s  depart- 
ure; he  always  enjoyed  himself,  and  cared  little 
at  whose  cost.  He  did  his  duty  conscientiously 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


187 


as  an  actor,  and  that  was  all  any  man  need  expect 
from  him.  Leo,  however,  was  painfully  affected 
by  his  friend’ s departure.  It  boded  no  good.  Some- 
thing was  wrong,  he  felt  certain! 

Arnold  acted  a little  and  mimicked  a little,  cast 
tender  glances  between  times  at  his  hostess  and 
overwhelmed  her  with  compliments,  which  she 
received  with  smiles  and  dimples.  Leo  related, 
with  many  dramatic  touches,  a story  of  three 
Polish  Jews,  at  which  Kathi  laughed  innocently 
and  heartily  enough. 

Then  Schneider  opened  the  piano  and  played 
an  accompaniment  for  his  friend,  who  sang,  with 
feeling,  “I  wish  I were  a moonbeam  bright.” 
Kathi  accompanied  him  in  the  last  verse,  and 
then,  being  urged,  sang  half  a dozen  of  her  Vien- 
nese music-hall  ballads,  as  she  alone  could  sing 
them. 

So  the  time  passed,  with  song  and  laughter  and 
many  a glass  of  sparkling  sec. 

Finally  Kathi  exclaimed  excitedly: 

“Play  us  a waltz,  Leo;  a lively  waltz!  We’ll 
have  a dance.” 

The  tables  were  quickly  moved  aside,  rugs 
lifted,  and  chairs  crowded  into  corners.  Then 
began  the  waltz. 

The  porcelain  and  glass  on  the  cabinet  rattled 
as  Kathi  and  Arnold  whirled  round  and  round, 
Kathi  with  burning  cheeks  and  sparkling  eyes, 


•188 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


and  her  partner  with  bold,  admiring  glances  which 
never  left  her  face  as  he  held  her  in  a tight  em- 
brace. Finally  Arnold  kissed  her. 

“What  on  earth  possessed  yon  to  do  that?” 
asked  Kathi,  without  halting  in  the  waltz. 

“Because  I love  you,  Kathi,”  he  whispered  in 
her  ear. 

“That’s  all  right;  but  be  reasonable.  What 
will  people  think?  There’s  someone  standing  at 
the  glass  door  now,  I do  believe.” 

Leo  had  seen  the  kiss,  and  was  justly  incensed. 
He  was  very  loyal  to  Klaus,  and  felt  he  was 
responsible  for  fair  play  during  the  absence  of  his 
host.  He  knew  this  was  neither  the  time  nor  the 
place  for  remonstrances,  so  he  played  on  until 
he  had  finished  the  waltz. 

“Go  on!  go  on!”  shouted  the  dancers. 

“No;  I’ve  finished  it  now.  Specht  acts  like 
such  a fool,  I’m  not  going  to  play  any  more!  ” 

Kathi  released  herself  quickly  from  her  new 
admirer’s  arms  and  hurried  toward  a small  recep- 
tion-room at  the  right  of  the  drawing-room. 
Surely  she  had  seen  a face  there  which  had  only 
disappeared  since  she  had  ceased  dancing.  She 
caught  her  breath  for  a moment,  and  then  went 
quickly  and  resolutely  through  the  smaller  room, 
where  she  caught  sight  of  the  faithful  Gustel 
creeping  along  silently  toward  the  servants’  ball. 

“Thank  God,  it’s  you!  You’ve  given  me  a 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEK. 


189 


nice  fright!  Listen  to  me,  Gustel.  You  go  in  the 
corner  room  and  sit  by  the  window.  When  you 
hear  the  master  coming— he  went  in  the  coupe,  I 
think — let  me  know  at  once — at  once.  I’ll  give 
you  something  beautiful  to-morrow.” 

That  was  a fair  bargain,  Gustel  reasoned,  as 
she  went,  with  a quiet  smile,  to  do  Frau  Bewer’ s 
bidding. 

Leo,  in  the  meantime,  had  been  giving  a few 
words  of  advice  to  his  brother  actor  regarding  his 
lover-like  antics. 

“In  the  first  place,  it  is  not  agreeable  for  me  to 
have  the  man  whom  I introduced  into  this  house 
to-night,  and  for  whom,  by  so  doing,  I stand  spon- 
sor, kiss  the  mistress  when  her  husband  is  away. 
In  the  second  place,  it  is  unwise,  very  unwise. 
My  friend  Bewer  is  not  the  man — and  I know  him 
well — to  stand  on  etiquette.  You  have  seen  him. 
He’s  quite  up  to  the  military  standard.  He  has 
been  out  of  the  country  these  ten  years,  where 
European  culture  is  unheard  of.  You  under- 
stand? If  he  came  in  here,  he’d  simply  strike 
you  down  with  one  blow.” 

The  opening  of  such  a perspective  did  not  fail 
of  its  purpose. 

Arnold  felt  no  need  either  of  the  lover-like  or 
sadly  sentimental  mask  while  alone  with  his 
friend.  His  face  was  honest  enough,  though 
rather  perplexed. 


190 


MR.  ANT)  MRS.  BEWER. 


‘ ‘ Ah ! ” he  said  slowly.  “You  think  he’d  strike 
from  the  shoulder,  without  any  preliminaries?” 

“Without  any  preliminaries.  So  put  an  end 
to  it  all.” 

“Yes,  it  would  be  wiser,  I suppose,”  Specht 
assented  reluctantly. 

Kathi  came  back  now  in  high  spirits,  her 
cheeks  flushed  and  her  voice  loud  and  excited. 

“ Now  give  us  a galop,  Leo.” 

“I’m  awfully  sorry,  but  I’m  tired  to  death.” 

“Not  if  I beg  you  to  play  for  my  pleasure? ” 

“Not  even  for  your  pleasure.” 

‘ ‘ How  disagreeable  you  are  this  evening!  W ell, 
we  can  get  on  without  you.  Come,  Herr  Specht! 
I’ll  sing  the  waltz.” 

As  she  spoke,  she  put  her  hand  on  the  come- 
dian’s arm  and  leaned  against  his  shoulder  so  that 
it  was  impossible  for  him  to  excuse  himself  unless 
he  were  positively  rude.  All  heart  for  this  little 
pastime  was  gone  from  him,  however. 

Even  when  her  voice  failed  her,  and  she  was  too 
breathless  to  do  more  than  hum  the  air,  Kathi 
kept  on  with  the  mad  dance,  leaning  her  weight 
each  minute  more  heavily  upon  her  partner. 

“The  master!  the  master!”  shouted  Gustel, 
suddenly,  at  the  door. 

The  words  gave  Arnold  Specht  an  electric  shock. 
The  dance  had  given  him  no  pleasure  whatever. 
As  his  energetic  partner  was  whirling  him  round 


ME.  AMD  MBS.  BEWER. 


191 


and  round,  Schneider’s  warning  was  re-echoing  in 
his  brain,  and  now  the  maid’s  words  struck  terror 
to  his  heart.  The  perspiration  was  running  down 
his  hot  cheeks,  and  he  was  breathless  and  ex- 
hausted. The  deep  red  of  his  face  turned  to  an 
olive-green  and  his  legs  trembled  beneath  him  . 

Kathi  threw  herself  instantly  into  an  easy-chair, 
exclaiming  nervously: 

“ I don’t  much  care  what  happens  now.  It  is 
all  the  same  to  me!  ” 

Leo  alone  was  composed. 

He  had  but  one  anxiety,  and  that  was  to  spare 
his  old  friend  as  much  as  he  could.  He  called  to 
Arnold  sharply  to  help  him  move  the  piano  into 
its  old  place,  put  the  chairs  in  order  as  well  as  he 
could,  and  closed  the  door  into  the  dining-room. 

Kathi,  in  the  meantime,  had  taken  a piece  of 
ice  from  the  champagne  cooler  and  was  striving  to 
cool  her  burning  cheeks  and  forehead  with  it. 

Klaus  had  passed  a really  enjoyable  hour  in  the 
company  of  his  brother  and  his  family.  He  had 
been  refreshed  in  spirit,  and  for  the  nonce  had  for- 
gotten his  own  deep  grief. 

They  had  chatted  over  old  times;  the  brothers 
had  recalled  many  amusing  incidents  of  former 
Christmas-nights,  and  then  had  talked  tenderly 
of  their  father,  the  unbending  old  merchant  of 
Lubeck,  to  whose  stern,  upright  character  they 
had  learned  to  do  more  justice  since  they  them- 


192 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


selves  had  been  buffeted  around  the  world.  Bella 
had  played  for  them — some  soft,  tuneful  melodies 
which  accorded  well  with  Klaus’s  depressed  state 
of  mind. 

“My  Grod!  Kathi,  what  is  the  matter  with  you? 
What  has  happened?”  her  husband  exclaimed, 
his  eye  resting  on  her  as  he  entered  the  room. 

“What  should  be  the  matter  with  me?”  an- 
swered Kathi  in  a shrill  falsetto  voice.  ‘ ‘ N othing 
at  all;  we  have  had  a little  dance,  that  is  all.” 

Klaus  measured  the  two  men  with  a cold  glance. 
As  his  eye  caught  the  figure  of  the  tall,  handsome 
comedian, who  stood  leaning  against  the  piano  with 
an  assumed  air  of  boldness  and  ease,  a feeling  of 
disgust,  which  he  could  scarcely  conceal,  came 
over  him. 

“ So  you’ve  been  dancing,  have  you?”  he  said 
quietly,  recovering  himself  with  a powerful  effort. 
“Well,  I’m  not  fond  of  dancing  myself,  but  I’m 
glad  to  know  that  my  absence  has  not  in  any  way 
affected  the  evening’s  pleasure.  Won’t  you  be 
seated  again,  gentlemen;  I do  not  want  to  chase 
you  away  by  my  return.” 

“We  had  risen  to  make  our  adieus  before  you 
entered,”  explained  Leo,  who  felt  no  whit  more 
comfortable  than  Arnold,  although  he  knew  he 
had  done  nothing  of  which  to  be  ashamed. 

“Yes,  we  must  indeed  be  going;  it  is  late.” 
Herr  Specht  spoke  with  a visible  effort. 


ME.  AMD  MBS.  BEWEE. 


193 


“You  must  not  be  angry  with  me,”  said  Leo, 
in  a voice  which  trembled  from  emotion.  ‘ ‘ I have 
done  nothing  to  make  you  so,  as  God  is  my 
judge—” 

“ I believe  you,  Leo.” 

“ You  must  believe  me.  It  was  terrible  to  me 
when  you  looked  at  me  just  now  as  if  you 
thought — ” 

“ I thought  nothing,  Leo.” 

“I  am  honest  to  my  friends,  Klaus,  and  you 
are  one  of  the  oldest.  As  heaven  is  my  witness — ’ ’ 

“That’s  all  right,  Leo;  that’ s all  right.  If  you 
have  anything  to  tell  me,  keep  it  for  another  time. 
It  is,  as  you  say,  late.  Good-night,  gentlemen.” 

He  extended  his  hand  to  Leo,  who  pressed  it 
fiercely  enough  to  make  the  strong  man  wince. 

‘ ‘ Believe  me,  ” Schneider  repeated,  ‘ ‘ I am  your 
friend!  Good-night.” 

Arnold  *made  a set  speech  to  Kathi,  who  stood 
gasping  and  breathless,  as  he  bowed  over  her  hand, 
then  he  turned  to  shake  hands  with  her  husband 
also.  It  was  evident  that  Klaus  did  not  see  the 
extended  hand,  for  he  bowed  his  guest  out  politely, 
but  without  any  friendly  hand-clasp.  The  men 
carried  their  expensive  gifts  with  them,  but  their 
possession  gave  them  little  pleasure  now. 

Klaus  stood  gazing  critically  at  his  wife  for  full 
five  minutes.  Her  cheeks,  in  fact  her  whole  face, 
burned  with  a deep  red;  her  nostrils  were  dilated, 

13 


194  ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 

her  eyes  dim,  and  her  hair  in  terrible  disorder; 
while  her  bosom  heaved  and  her  breath  came  in 
gasps  like  one  who  is  asthmatically  affected. 
Klaus  thought  of  his  sister-in-law,  from  whom  he 
had  just  parted;  of  her  deep,  clear  eyes  which  gave 
him  so  honest  a glance;  of  Bella,  her  noble  beauty 
and  calm,  dignified  manner. 

He  turned  from  Kathi  as  from  a strange  being, 
and  said  no  word. 

“Klaus!  Klaus!”  she  called  after  him. 

If  he  heard  her  at  all,  he  paid  no  heed  to  her 
words.  He  passed  out  of  the  drawing-room,  and 
a second  later  he  had  turned  the  key  in  his  own 
bedroom  door.  He  sat  for  a long  time  on  the  side 
of  his  bed  after  he  had  partially  undressed,  think- 
ing of  nothing  in  particular,  and  with  no  feel- 
ing either  of  anger  or  excitement.  The  little 
trifles  which  had  occurred  during  the  evening 
made  a greater  impression  upon  him  than  the  one 
matter  of  moment.  He  smiled  over  Leo’s  friendly 
and  earnest  assurances,  over  the  Dresden  figures, 
the  girl  with  the  cap  and  the  shepherd  with  the  red 
cheeks;  but  to  Kathi  he  gave  no  thought.  A melody 
was  running  through  his  head;  he  couldn’t  get 
the  words,  neither  could  he  remember  where  he  had 
heard  it.  Had  Bella  played  it  at  his  brother’s  to- 
night? Was  it  a song  from  the  far-away  days  of  his 
childhood?  Long  after  he  had  put  out  the  light  and 
gone  to  bed  it  still  hummed  through  his  brain. 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


195 


Why  would  not  the  words  come  to  him?  It  was 
a sad  song,  he  felt  sure  of  that,  and  yet  the  words 
failed  him. 

Finally,  when  he  did  sleep,  he  had  wretched, 
disquieting  dreams.  He  had  a quarrel  with  some 
men  who  waylaid  him  on  a journey.  His  chief 
antagonist  was  a tall,  dark  fellow  with  a Hamlet- 
like lock,  and  long  nails  on  his  little  fingers,  and 
he  rolled  his  r' s.  But  it  was  not  Herr  Specht,  it 
was  Prince  Demeter  Strusa!  He  looked  like  an 
actor,  and  he  offered  his  arm  to  Bella,  who  was 
under  Klaus’s  protection,  and  wore  a cap  just 
like  the  Dresden  figure.  Klaus  was  furious  at  the 
prince,  but  Leo  Schneider,  looking  just  like  the 
shepherd,  stepped  to  his  side  and  swore  with  a 
thousand  oaths  he  would  always  be  his  friend. 
A crowd  of  idlers  gathered  around  Klaus,  and 
when  he  turned  to  look  for  his  friends  none  were 
to  be  seen. 

Bella,  in  some  inexplicable  manner,  had  been 
taken  from  him,  and  he  was  left  alone,  alone! 

He  lifted  a stone  from  the  street  to  fling  at 
Prince  Strusa.  The  noise,  like  the  breaking  of 
porcelain  figures,  awakened  him  with  a start. 
The  melody  was  ringing  in  his  ears! 


CHAPTER  XII. 


It  was  the  middle  of  February.  The  social  life 
of  the  Herman  capital  was  at  its  height.  Wil- 
helm Bewer,  with  his  wife  and  sister,  had  been 
introduced,  through  the  medium  of  the  ambassa- 
dor from  the  United  States,  into  many  charmed 
circles.  Wherever  they  went  the  Americans  were 
cordially  received,  and  the  women  of  the  party 
much  admired  and  petted. 

During  the  winter  they  had  taken  two  short 
journeys,  one  to  Griefswald  and  the  other  to 
Lubeck,  neither  of  which  had  given  Wilhelm 
much  pleasure. 

Gottlieb,  who  was  deep  in  some  scientific  work, 
was  very  glad  to  see  his  brother  and  meet  his 
family,  but  he  did  not  know  what  to  do  in  the 
company  of  women;  he  was  totally  unaccustomed 
to  them,  and  was,  in  consequence,  awkward  and 
shy.  He  was  glad  to  shake  them  all  cordially  by 
the  hand  at  parting,  and  after  wishing  them  “ god- 
speed,” to  return  with  all  haste  to  his  desk. 

The  visit  to  Liibeck  was  even  more  uncomforta- 
ble. The  elder  brothers  could  never  forget  how 
wild  and  troublesome  Wilhelm  had  been  in  his 

(196) 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


197 


boyhood.  They  could  not  dissociate  this  Ameri- 
can, as  they  dubbed  him  to  each  other,  from  the 
youth  who  had  so  vexed  their  father,  and  who 
had  been  finally  sent  to  the  New  World  as  a der- 
nier ressort.  But  their  most  potent  feeling  was 
the  knowledge  that  they  had  wronged  him,  just 
as  they  had  wronged  Klaus,  and  this  knowledge 
gave  an  added  degree  of  coldness  to  their  inter- 
course with  their  young  brother  and  his  family. 
Wilhelm,  warm-hearted  and  impetuous,  found 
all  this  unendurable,  and  shortened  his  visit  to 
one  day,  though  he  had  expected  to  remain  in 
Liibeck  a week.  He  was  so  disgusted  at  his 
reception  there  that  he  gave  up  his  intended 
visit  to  his  sister  at  Husum  and  returned  at  once 
to  Berlin,  where  Klaus,  the  only  real  kinsman 
he  had,  was  to  be  found.  The  ladies  also  were 
well  satisfied  to  get  back  to  the  capital. 

When  Wilhelm  announced  one  day  that  his 
European  business  was  satisfactorily  concluded, 
and  they  must  turn  their  faces  homeward  now, 
they  were  all  distressed  at  the  thought.  His  wife 
and  Bella  had  enjoyed  to  the  utmost  the  society 
into  which  they  had  been  so  auspiciously  intro- 
duced, but  their  chief  regret  was  in  leaving  Klaus, 
whom  they  had  seen  daily,  and  who  by  this  time 
seemed  to  belong  to  them. 

Of  Kathi  no  word  had  been  spoken  for  some 
time.  After  they  learned,  through  Klaus’s  eva- 


198 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


sions  and  excuses,  that  they  were  not  to  be  invited 
to  his  house  again,  and  were  not  expected  even 
to  make  a brief  call,  they  decided  among  them- 
selves that  it  would  be  better  to  say  nothing  fur- 
ther about  the  lovely  sister-in-law  who  interested 
them  so  much.  In  fact,  before  they  left  Berlin, 
they  had  almost  forgotten  that  Klaus  was  mar- 
ried at  all. 

But  Klaus  had  not  forgotten  it.  He  lived  under 
the  same  roof  with  Kathi,  they  ate  their  meals 
together,  and  as  far  as  the  letter  of  the  law  was 
concerned,  they  were  man  and  wife  living  in  per- 
fect accord. 

All  scenes,  either  sorrowful  or  exciting,  were  at 
an  end.  Klaus  was  thoughtful  and  kind.  He  gave 
over  lecturing  or  reproving;  there  was  nothing  to 
be  gained  by  admonition,  he  was  confident  of  that 
now.  He  attended  to  all  his  wife’ s creature  needs; 
he  took  her  to  the  opera  and  theater,  bought  any 
gewgaws  for  which  she  expressed  a desire,  and 
strove  to  make  her  life  as  happy  as  possible.  He 
only  prayed  that  she  would  do  nothing  to  stain 
his  good  name;  that  was  all  he  had  left,  and  he 
was  jealous  of  his  honor. 

Kathi  was  well  content  with  the  turn  affairs  had 
taken.  She  had  much  more  time  to  herself  now; 
could  drive  to  Frau  Milcke’s  daily,  and  have  her 
long  confidential  chats  with  Fraulein  Levini,  to 
whom  she  repeatedly  gave  the  assurance  that  she 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


199 


was  as  happy  as  happy  could  be,  and  had  made 
the  best  match  in  Berlin.  Kathi  was  fully  con- 
vinced of  this  herself;  and  after  she  had  accom- 
modated her  friend  with  money,  usually  silver, 
but  occasionally  gold — Victoria  was  always  for- 
getting her  purse — she  would  throw  herself  back 
in  her  carriage  and  feel,  as  she  was  driven  away, 
that  she  was  one  of  the  great  dames  of  the  coun- 
try. It  gave  her  keen  satisfaction,  too,  to  sit 
well  forward  in  her  opera-box — her  husband 
always  kept  in  the  shadow — and  have  numerous 
glasses  leveled  at  her,  and  know  that  the  high- 
born ladies  were  commenting  on  her  jewels  and 
costly  attire.  Then  when  Grustel  brought  her  the 
papers  the  next  morning,  and  she  read  of 'the 
beauty  and  grace  of  one  of  Berlin’s  most  charm- 
ing women,  Frau  K.  B.  (only  the  initials  were 
given),  she  felt  her  cup  was  overflowing. 

But  the  great  excitement  of  her  life  was  the 
forbidden  visits  to  Frau  Milcke,  where  she  met 
her  old  comrade.  After  a time,  when  Kathi  had 
gained  confidence,  and  the  tete-a-tete  with  Vic- 
toria grew  monotonous,  other  friends  out  of  her 
old  life  came  to  make  merry  with  her,  at  her 
expense.  She  ordered  her  former  landlady  to 
provide  dainty  little  lunches,  and  there  was  much 
eating  and  drinking,  much  gossiping  and  laugh- 
ing, in  the  little  room  in  which  she  had  formerly 
lodged. 


200 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


Frederick  proved  to  be  a trustworthy  coach- 
man, who  could  be  relied  upon  to  account  for  his 
time,  if  too  closely  questioned.  Frederick  was 
accumulating  five -mark  pieces  very  rapidly  now- 
adays. 

One  day  Fraulein  Levini  was  driven  to  the 
pretty  little  home  on  Hildebrandtstrasse,  and 
even  Kathi  was  satisfied  with  the  gay  soubrette’s 
exclamations  of  surprise  and  delight  at  all  she 
saw  there.  Levini  was  quite  awed,  in  fact,  by  so 
much  splendor. 

But  all  these  doings  were  kept  a profound 
secret  from  Klaus.  Had  he  known  of  them,  he 
would  have  been  deeply  grieved  and  mortified,  as 
well  as  suspicious  of  what  might  happen  next. 
In  these  latter  days  his  senses  seemed  blunted. 
His  grief  had  dazed  him,  and  he  nursed  his  heavy 
sorrow  without  any  thought  of  vindictiveness 
toward  his  wife.  He  became  a fatalist,  and 
brooded  continually,  without  trying  to  reason  out 
the  past,  or  solve  any  riddles  for  the  future. 

Kathi  was  not  bad,  he  often  declared  to  him- 
self, nor  implacable — she  was  as  she  had  ever 
been;  and  here  lay  the  sting.  His  imagination 
had  run  away  from  him,  and  he  had  judged  her 
something  entirely  different.  Her  charms  had 
not  faded;  her  manner,  her  speech,  even  her  cap- 
tivating voice,  were  all  the  same.  He  alone  was 
the  guilty  one!  He  alone  must  bear  the  punish- 


ME.  AND  MES.  BE  WEE. 


201 


ment!  He  had  hurried  her  into  this  marriage, 
for  which  she,  with  more  acumen  than  he,  had 
shown  no  undue  desire;  and  now,  when  it  was 
months  too  late,  he  had  discovered  with  what 
manner  of  woman  he  was  mated  for  life. 

Added  to  this  old  guilt  was  a new  one  creeping 
upon  him  more  strongly  each  day.  He  longed 
for  release  from  this  unharmonious  union  as 
eagerly  in  the  early  days  of  February  as  he  had 
desired  the  consummation  of  his  marriage  in  the 
August  sunshine. 

Then,  again,  he  would  quell  all  rising  hopes, 
which  must  ever  be  strangers  to  him  now,  and 
ask  himself  what  he  had  left  undone,  or  what  he 
should  do,  to  bring  about  a happier  state  of  feel- 
ing between  himself  and  his  wife.  But  Kathi 
was  contented,  well  contented,  to  judge  from  her 
glowing  face  and  insouciant  manner;  she  wanted 
nothing  further,  nothing  better.  In  her  life  there 
was  no  need  of  a husband’s  love — his  purse  was 
enough;  and,  with  a bitter  sigh,  Klaus  would 
abandon  all  ' plans  of  trying  to  win  her  love. 
Poor  little  Kathi,  self  was  her  love,  and,  as  he 
said  to  himself  over  and  over  again,  nothing 
could  ever  affect  such  a nature  as  long  as  her 
material  comforts  remained. 

Ellen  Bewer  began  in  earnest  now  to  make 
preparations  for  their  departure.  She  had  grown 


202 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


deeply  attached  to  her  husband’s  country  during 
their  few  months’  sojourn  in  it,  and  one  pretext 
after  another  was  brought  forward  to  delay  their 
departure.  Even  the  weather,  which  had  been 
cold  and  blustery,  served  a purpose,  as  Ellen  did 
not  want  her  son  to  be  unnecessarily  exposed  to 
sudden  draughts,  changes,  etc.  Now,  however, 
everything  was  settled.  Wilhelm  had  taken 
passage  in  a Hamburg  steamer  for  the  15th  of 
February,  and  even  the  unpropitious  weather 
had  put  on  a brighter  face,  as  if  to  give  them  a 
foretaste  of  a German  spring.  The  great  trunks 
had  been  packed,  and  were  already  at  the  station. 
The  family  sat  silent  and  sorrowful  in  the  hotel 
awaiting  Klaus’s  arrival.  He  was  to  accompany 
them  to  the  station.  The  child  alone  was  gay 
and  happy,  as  he  chased  his  nurse  through  the 
dismantled,  comfortless  rooms. 

To  Klaus,  his  brother’ s departure  was  a keen 
blow.  He  had  scarcely  lifted  his  head  since  he 
knew  the  date  was  finally  settled.  He  and  Wil- 
helm had  picked  up  all  the  old  threads,  and  were 
once  more  as  congenial  and  devoted  to  one 
another  as  in  their  boyhood  days.  Ellen  and  her 
sister,  with  their  warm,  frank,  unaffected  manners, 
had  won  him,  as  they  could  not  have  failed  to  do 
one  of  his  honest,  straightforward  character. 
And  the  boy,  the  dear  little  fellow  with  the 
Bewer  eyes,  had  become  almost  as  dear  to  his 
uncle  as  to  his  own  father. 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEK. 


203 


They  all  turned  now  from  their  silent  gaze  at 
the  swaying  lindens  without  when  Klaus  entered 
the  room.  He  had  a traveling-sachel  in  his  hand. 

“I  have  decided,”  he  said,  as  he  shook  hands 
with  them  all,  “ to  go  to  Hamburg  with  you,  and 
see  you  off  to-morrow.” 

His  brother  gave  a shout  of  joy,  as  he  slapped 
him  heavily  on  the  shoulder. 

“ There  is  really  nothing  to  prevent  my  going, 
and  I can  be  back  to-morrow  night. 

The  six  left  for  Hamburg  at  4 o’clock.  Their 
departure  was  watched  by  an  observant  young 
woman  who  sat  in  the  third-class  waiting-room. 

The  announcement  that  Klaus  had  decided  to 
accompany  his  brother  to  Hamburg  was  a joyful 
surprise  to  Kathi.  It  had  been  a problem  to  her, 
for  the  past  fourteen  days,  how  she  could  elude 
her  husband’s  notice  on  the  evening  of  the 
14th.  On  that  evening  Victoria  Levini  was  to 
be  given  a benefit,  and  Kathi  had  an  irresistible 
longing  to  go  to  the  Walhalla  once  more,  on  that 
auspicious  occasion,  after  seven  months’  absence, 
to  witness  her  friend’s  triumph. 

Once  she  had  determined  to  tell  her  husband 
the  truth  and  beg  him  to  take  her  for  that  one 
occasion.  Then  she  thought  it  over,  and  feeling 
assured  that  he  would  deny  her  request,  concluded 
to  wait,  and,  as  she  expressed  it,  see  “if  something 
would  not  turn  up.” 


204 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWER. 


Well,  something  had  turned  up,  and  very  op- 
portunely, too.  She  could  go  in  secrecy  now. 
The  added  flavor  of  stolen  fruit  was  the  greatest 
charm  of  all. 

As  soon  as  Klaus  had  driven  away  she  rang  for 
Gfustel. 

“Quick,  get  me  the  Fremdenblatt.','> 

She  looked  eagerly  down  the  amusement  column 
to  see  whether  Arnold  Specht,  who  was  engaged 
at  the  Residenz  Theater  for  the  season,  was  free 
for  that  night,  and  whether  or  not  Leo  Schneider 
was  free  also. 

Fortune  was  in  her  favor.  Herr  Specht  was 
not  in  the  cast  for  that  evening,  and  Leo  played 
an  important  part. 

“ Find  out  when  the  next  train  leaves  for  Ham- 
burg. There’s  a time-table  in  the  drawer  in  Herr 
Bewer’s  study -table,  I think.” 

She  wrote  a note  to  Arnold  Specht  to  keep  him- 
self unengaged  for  that  evening,  and  meet  her  at 
the  corner  of  Charlotte  and  Besselstrassen  at 
8 o’  clock.  He  need  fear  nothing  disagreeable,  she 
added. 

J ust  as  she  finished,  Gustel  returned  with  the 
announcement  that  a train  left  for  Hamburg  at 
4 o’clock. 

“And  it’s  3 now.  Well,  there’s  time  enough, 
if  you  pay  attention  to  me.  I’m  not  quite 
easy  about  this  trip  to  Hamburg.  ‘There’s 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BEWEB. 


205 


many  a slip,’  you  know.  Get  a thick  veil  and 
put  it  over  your  hat.  Take  one  of  mine  if  you 
haven’t  any.  Take  a first-class  drosky  and  drive 
at  once  to  the  Hamburg  station;  keep  yourself  in 
the  background  and  wait  until  the  4 o’clock  train 
starts.  Watch  carefully.  If  your  master  does 
not  go,  come  back  here;  but  if  he  does,  drive  at 
once  to  Dressel’s  and  see  Ned.  Ask  him  if  Herr 
Specht  comes  there  regularly;  if  so,  leave  this 
note  for  him;  if  not,  find  out  where  he  does  live, 
and  take  the  note  there.  You  understand?  Then 
go  to  Schmidt’s  and  buy  a bouquet  for  20  marks, 
and  then  to  the  Walhalla  and  engage  an  orchestra- 
box,  either  right  or  left.  Then  come  back  here. 
Here  are  60  marks  for  the  drosky,  the  flowers, 
and  the  box.  Whatever  is  over  you  can  keep. 
If  you  hurry  and  manage  everything  satisfactorily 
I’ll  give  you  20  marks  besides.” 

Gustel  returned  about  half-past  5. 

The  master  had  gone;  she  saw  him  seated  in  the 
train.  She  found  that  by  waiting  ten  minutes  at 
Dressel’s  she  would  be  apt  to  meet  Herr  Specht, 
and  she  had  been  able,  by  so  waiting,  to  deliver 
the  note  in  person.  He  had  sent  word  in  reply, 
that  he  was  subject  to  the  “gnadige  Frau’s” 
orders.  She  bought  the  flowers,  and  the  ticket 
for  a box  on  the  left. 

At  8 o’clock  a drosky  drew  up  to  the  corner  of 
Besselstrasse.  A minute  later  a tall  figure,  envel- 


206 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


oped  in  a long  ulster  and  storm-hat,  sauntered 
along  the  street,  and  after  throwing  a hasty 
glance  into  the  carriage,  stepped  in  and  closed  the 
door. 

Arnold  attempted  to  draw  Kathi  in  his  arms  at 
once,  but  she  drew  back  quite  determinedly. 

“Now  we  must  not  have  any  nonsense,  Herr 
Specht,”  she  said  earnestly.  “I  shall  be  very 
angry  if  you  do  not  behave  yourself.” 

“Nonsense?”  he  questioned,  in  his  soft,  well- 
modulated  voice.  “ Nonsense!  When  you  know 
how  I love  you.  Y ou  send  for  me — I come — is  that 
nonsense?  Why  did  you  send  for  me,  you  siren?  ” 

‘ ‘ Because  I must  have  an  escort.  W e are  going 
to  the  Walhalla;  the  coachman  is  stopping  now. 
Here  is  the  ticket  for  the  box;  and  take  my 
bouquet,  please.  Now  do  be  circumspect!  ” 

Arnold  was  a little  puzzled  at  his  fair  com- 
panion, who,  closely  enveloped  in  veils  and  wraps, 
led  the  way  swiftly  to  the  box  she  knew  so  well. 
When  she  entered  it  she  took  a seat  in  the  back- 
ground, where  she  could  not  be  seen  and  where  she 
could  see  but  little. 

Arnold  tried  the  second  time  to  embrace  her, 
but  she  was  as  determined  as  before. 

“Do  sit  still  and  amuse  me.  But  behave  your- 
self, or,  I give  my  word,  I’ll  tell  my  husband.” 

These  words  had  their  effect,  and  there  was  no 
alternative  left  but  for  the  comedian  to  play  the 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


207 


deeply  injured.  To  Kathi  it  mattered  little  wliat 
he  did. 

But  the  time  passed  wearily  for  them  both. 
When  Arnold  felt  he  could  stand  it  no  longer, 
he  said: 

“ My  dear  madam,  how  much  longer  must  we 
remain  in  this  stifling  box,  where  we  can  see  liter- 
ally nothing,  and  hear  little  but  the  toot  of  the 
trombone.  It  is  unreasonable  to  stay  shut  up  this 
way.  Hadn’t  we  better  go  some  place  else  and 
find  some  amusement?” 

“ I thought,  myself,  it  would  be  a great  deal 
livelier.  You  are  quite  right;  it  is  very  stupid. 
When  one  takes  no  part  in  a performance,  how 
different  it  seems.  But  I have  to  stay  to  see 
Levini;  that’s  what  I came  for,  you  know.  You 
must  throw  her  this  bouquet.” 

“I?”  said  Specht,  as  though  that  were  too 
much.  “Ask  what  you  will — I am  your  slave; 
but  throw  a bouquet — never!  ” 

A profound  gesture  of  abhorrence  accompanied 
this  speech. 

“Well,  we  can  take  it  to  her  behind  the  scenes, 
then  we’ll  be  done  with  it;  and  she  will  see  that  I 
remembered  her.  After  we  have  done  that,  we 
can  go.” 

Arnold  was  well  content  with  this  modification 
of  the  programme.  They  rose  and  left  the  box. 
The  corridors  were  empty;  only  a buffoon,  off 


208 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


duty  for  the  present,  stood  near  one  of  the 
wings. 

Kathi  hastened  along  the  well-known  way,  and 
Arnold  followed  with  the  bouquet;  as  she  crossed 
behind  the  stage,  the  players  noticed  with  what 
assurance  she  walked,  as  if  very  sure  of  her  way, 
and  stood  aside  for  her. 

Kathi  and  Arnold  mounted  the  steep  familiar 
steps,  and  Kathi  knocked,  as  the  manager  had 
done  last  August,  on  the  dressing-room  door. 

“ Come  in!  ” in  Yictoria  Levini’s  voice. 

“Can  I bring  a gentleman  with  me?” 

“ Yes;  we  are  all  ready.”  It  was  another  voice 
which  spoke  now. 

“Why,  Kathi,  surely  it  is  not  you  in  the 
flesh!”  washer  friend’s  astonished  exclamation. 
“This  is  very  kind  of  you.  You  prove  you  are 
indeed  a true  friend!  ” 

“ I have  brought  a distinguished  visitor  to  you 
on  your  benefit  night— I see  you  do  not  know  him. 
Herr  Arnold  Specht,  my  friend,  Tori  Levini.” 

“I  am  delighted  to  meet  one  whose  name  is  so 
renowned  in  the  profession,”  answered  the  sou- 
brette,  smiling,  with  a low  bow. 

“Thanks!”  sighed  Arnold,  apparently  quite 
overwhelmed. 

“ And  how  was  it  possible  for  you  to — ” 

“It’s  a long  and  gruesome  tale,”  answered 
Kathi,  laughing. 


MR.  AMD  MRS.  BEWER. 


209 


Then  the  two  friends  chatted  and  whispered 
and  giggled  together  for  several  minutes. 

Not  far  from  them  sat  a pale,  freckle-faced  girl, 
who  tapped  on  the  floor  impatiently  with  her  foot, 
and  drummed  on  the  table  with  her  long,  thin 
fingers.  At  last  she  said,  sharply  and  sneeringly: 

“So  you  do  not  care  even  to  bid  me  good-even- 
ing, it  seems,  although  you  have  intruded  upon 
my  privacy,  and  brought  with  you  a strange  gen- 
tleman whom  you  have  not  yet  presented  to  me.” 

“What  do  you  want?”  asked  Kathi,  with  an 
indifference  which  made  the  blonde  furious. 

“Those  who  look  at  you  won’t  be  readily 
duped.  They  see  before  them  a woman  who 
deceives  her  husband;  who  has  run  away  from 
him  in  order  to  come  to  the  Walhalla,  and  with 
her  latest  lover,  too.  You  understand  me,  Kathi? 
Don’t  try  to  ride  the  high  horse  with  me,  for 
you’ll  fail  every  time.  I’ve  known  you  long 
enough,  remember!  You  don’t  impose  on  me 
because  of  the  big  diamonds  in  your  ears.  I 
remember  the  time  when  you  ran  about  the 
streets  of  Klausenburg  with  no  shoes  at  all,  to 
speak  of,  on  your  feet.  And  I could  tell  other 
things  still  more  interesting,  if  I saw  fit.  So 
don’t  hold  your  nose  so  high  in  the  air,  you  dear 
creature.” 

Kathi  listened  to  this  with  a smile.  When  the 
woman  stopped,  she  responded  promptly: 

14 


210 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


“ So  this  is  blonde  Toni!  I recognize  yon  now 
for  the  first  time.  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to 
see  you  again,  I can  assure  you.  I am  flattered 
to  learn  you  paid  such  close  attention  to  me  and 
my  shoes  at  Klausenburg,  and  here  also.  How 
well  those  blue  satin  boots,  with  the  high  red 
heels,  suit  you,  by  the  way.  I left  them  here 
when  I shook  off  the  dust  of  the  place,  if  I am 
not  mistaken.  I am  rejoiced  that  you  are  able  to 
make  use  of  my  cast-off  shoes.  I might  send  you 
a few  more  pairs,  if  you  want  them.  Or  would 
you  rather  I spoke  a good  word  to  Prince  Strusa, 
whom  I cast  off  also.  He  would  get  you  a new 
pair  if  I asked  him.” 

Toni  was  beside  herself  with  anger. 

“I’ll  pay  you  back — only  wait!”  she  fairly 
shouted. 

“ But,  my  dear  madam,”  interposed  Arnold,  in 
his  most  mournful  baritone,  to  Kathi,  “ I implore 
you— for  your  own  sake,  for  your  own  dignity — ” 

“You  are  right,”  assented  Kathi,  laughing; 
“we’ll  leave  this  idiot.  And  now,  Victoria, 
good-by.  I hope  your  evening  will  be  a great 
success!  We’ll  see  one  another  within  the  next 
few  days.  Come  on,  Herr  Specht.” 

She  turned  to  go.  Her  pale  antagonist  rose  and 
hurried  toward  her. 

“So  you  think  I’m  an  idiot,  do  you?  You  will 
hear  from  me,  my  lady.  Those  words  will  lie 
heavy  on  your  stomach  yet.” 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEB. 


211 


“If  ever  yours  is  empty,  come  to  me  and  I’ll 
give  you  something  to  eat!  Good-by,  dear 
Victoria,”  and  Kathi  tripped  lightly  off  the  scene. 
She  was  not  specially  excited.  She  had  had  a 
little  encounter,  but  had  held  her  own  and  was 
pleased  to  think  she  had  come  off  victor.  Her 
only  regret  was  that  Arnold  Specht  had  been  wit- 
ness to  such  a scene. 

“I  should  rather  have  had  nothing  to  say  to 
that  creature.  There  is  nothing  to  be  gained  by  in- 
tercourse with  so  rude  and  uncultivated  a woman.  ’ ’ 

“No,  indeed!”  answered  Specht  in  a tone  of 
deep  conviction.  “But  let  us  drop  all  this. 
After  the  storm  we’re  entitled  to  a glimpse  of 
idyllic  life.  We  must  get  ours  now.” 

They  were  in  the  street  by  this  time,  and  as 
Kathi  put  her  foot  on  the  carriage-step,  she  said 
calmly  and  coldly: 

“Now  I’m  going  home.” 

The  drosky  drew  up  at  the  corner  of  Ililde- 
brandt  and  Thiergarden  strassen  and  the  two 
occupants  alighted. 

“Good-night,  my  dear  Herr  Specht.  Many 
thanks  for  your  delightful  company.  I prefer 
walking  the  few  steps  to  my  own  door  alone. 
Refreshing  sleep  and  pleasant  dreams.”  With  a 
slight  nod  and  wave  of  her  hand,  she  turned  and 
tripped  lightly  up  the  street  toward  her  home. 

Arnold  Specht  looked  after  her  dreamily  for  a 


212 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


minute  and  then,  with  a characteristic  shrug, 
turned  toward  Dressel’ s. 

The  four  at  the  Kronprinz  Hotel  at  Hamburg 
passed  a quiet  evening.  They  could  not  be  gay; 
the  hour  of  separation  was  too  near.  The  com- 
panionship of  the  past  three  months  had  filled 
the  hearts  of  the  travelers  with  deep  sympathy 
for  the  man  from  whom  they  were  so  soon  to  part, 
and  a tone  of  depression  and  sadness  pervaded 
their  intercourse  on  this  their  last  night  together. 

The  parting  was  so  certain,  the  meeting  again 
so  questionable,  that  no  one  ventured  to  speak  of 
it;  they  could  only  enjoy  each  other’s  society  for 
the  few  hours  which  remained.  They  sat  together 
until  late  in  the  night,  none  having  the  heart  to 
suggest  sleep  and  rest. 

They  met  next  day  at  1 o’clock  on  the  pier,  and 
shook  hands,  hardly  exchanging  a word.  The 
noise,  bustle,  and  confusion  consequent  upon  a 
great  steamer’s  departure  for  a long  voyage  were 
going  on  all  around  them. 

Klaus  looked  at  the  great  ship, . the  deck  of 
which  was  already  filled  with  passengers,  while 
others  ran  hither  and  thither  giving  final  orders 
about  their  luggage,  and  then,  turning  to  his 
brother,  said  in  a pained  tone: 

“Ah,  Wilhelm,  if  I could  only  go  with  you 
away  from  here;  I long  for  freedom,  but  I must 
stay  behind  a prisoner!  ” 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


213 


“My  dear  old  boy,  I wish  you  could.  And 
now  for  one  word,  our  last.  Don’t  allow  your- 
self to  be  crushed.  Hold  up  your  head  like  a 
man,  and  live  like  a man,  too.  Determine  what  is 
best  to  do;  don’t  be  driven  east  and  west  by  every 
wind  that  blows.  Make  up  your  mind,  and  at 
once,  and  when  you  have  come  to  a conclusion 
stick  to  it!  Do  you  hear?  Stick  to  it,  and  God 
help  you!  ” 

The  signal  for  starting  was  given.  The  three 
went  slowly  across  the  narrow  plank,  and  a min- 
ute later  Wilhelm,  Ellen,  and  Bella  stood  on  the 
upper  deck  waving  their  handkerchiefs.  The 
powerful  machinery  was  set  in  motion,  flags 
waved,  friends  shouted,  and  whistles  shrieked  as 
the  steamer  moved  slowly  and  majestically  from 
the  harbor. 

Klaus  stood  looking  after  it  as  long  as  he  could 
define  the  contour  of  the  three  figures  still  waving 
to  him  from  the  receding  ship,  then  he  turned 
and  went  slowly  back  to  his  hotel. 

Those  on  the  <?  sparting  vessel  said  no  word  to 
one  another.  But  scon  Bella  descended  to  her 
cabin,  and  there  her  sister  found  her  a little  later, 
sobbing  as  though  her  heart  would  break. 

“My  poor  sistor,”  said  Ellen,  taking  her  in  her 
arms— “my  poor  sister,  yo  may  show  me  your 
heart,  my  poor  dear  child!  ” 

It  was  long  ere  Bella’s  sobs  ceased. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


At  half-past  10  o’clock  that  night  Klaus 
alighted  at  his  own  door.  He  had  telegraphed 
the  hour  of  his  arrival  to  his  wife,  and  she  came 
out  to  meet  him  with  open  arms. 

“ Has  anything  happened?  ” asked  Klaus,  inno- 
cently. 

“Nothing  that  I know  of,”  answered  Kathi. 
“Did  your  people  get  away?  I am  very  sorry, 
on  your  account,  that  they  had  to  go,  for  it  was  a 
great  pleasure  to  you  to  have  them  with  you;  I 
could  see  that.  Your  sister-in-law  is  a lovely 
woman.  She  wrote  me  such  a kind  letter  before 
she  left.” 

Klaus  thanked  her,  with  a good-natured  smile, 
for  her  friendly  speech. 

They  ate  their  supper  together  that  night. 

Klaus  went  immediately  to  his  study,  after  the 
meal,  to  answer  some  important  letters  which  had 
been  lying  on  his  desk  for  several  days.  One  es- 
pecially, from  his  lawyer,  Felix  Quintus,  inform- 
ing him  of  the  successful  termination  of  a long 
and  weary  lawsuit,  demanded  his  immediate 
attention. 


(314) 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


215 


He  wrote  Mm  a few  lines  excusing  his  delay, 
and  concluded  by  saying  that  within  the  next  few 
days  he  should  do  himself  the  honor  of  calling  in 
person  on  the  distinguished  barrister. 

Klaus  was  pleased  with  the  business  correspond- 
ence which  he  had  carried  on  for  some  time  with 
Herr  Quintus,  and  had  decided  in  his  own  mind 
that  he  was  a man  worth  knowing. 

Then  he  wrote  a long  letter  to  his  business  man- 
ager in  Sumatra,  telling  him  not  to  rush  matters 
in  the  settlement  of  his  affairs  there;  that  there 
were  now  no  cogent  reasons  for  haste. 

It  was  past  2 o’clock  when  Klaus  retired.  He 
fell  at  once  into  a deep,  dreamless  slumber;  when 
he  waked  in  the  morning  his  head  was  heavy 
and  his  limbs  felt  like  lead. 

The  early  post  brought  several  letters — business 
communications  and  others.  One  of  them,  blot- 
ted and  ill-written,  he  read  several  times.  His 
brows  contracted;  he  folded  the  letter  slowly 
and  put  it  in  his  pocket;  then  he  looked  across 
the  table  at  his  wife,  who  sat  opposite  him,  and 
said  slowly: 

“Were  you  at  the  Walhalla  night  before  last?  ” 

Kathi’s  face  became  crimson. 

“No!  ” she  said. 

Klaus  laid  his  fork  on  his  plate  and  drummed 
on  the  table  with  his  fingers,  looking  searchingly 
at  her  the  while. 


216 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


“Yes,  I was  there.  I will  not  tell  you  a lie. 
But  tell  me  who  has  been  tattling  on  me?  ” 

Klaus  handed  her  the  letter  without  a word. 

“ Blonde  Toni!  The  wretched  creature!  ” 

The  perfidy  of  the  dancer  so  occupied  her 
thoughts  that  she  forgot  for  the  moment  the  pain- 
ful situation  in  which  she  was  placed  as  regarded 
her  husband. 

Klaus  knocked  somewhat  energetically  on  the 
table,  as  he  said,  in  a slightly  accentuated  tone: 

“You  may  as  well  understand  from  the  first 
that  I will  not  suffer  you  to  deviate  one  hair’s 
breadth  from  the  truth.  I will  be  very  quiet,  but 
I want  the  truth.” 

There  was  a note  of  command  in  the  man’s  tone 
which  Kathi  had  never  heard  before,  which  made 
her  look  at  him  with  a hitherto  unknown  feel- 
ing of  dread. 

“Well*  go  on!  What  has  happened?” 

“My  Gfod,  nothing  at  all!  Nothing  wrong,  I 
swear  to  you.  My  old  friend  Victoria  Levini 
had  a benefit,  and  I took  a bouquet  to  her  dress- 
ing-room. Then  I met  the  vile  creature  who  has 
written  this  note  to  you.  That  is  all.” 

“ But  what  of  your  escort,  to  whom  this  letter 
refers?  Who — ” 

“That  is  a vile  slander,  I swear  to  you!  I 
can  not  make  myself  out  worse  than  I am.  I have 
done  nothing  but  conceal  a few  little  trifles.  You 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BE  WEE. 


217 


may  believe  me  or  not,  as  you  see  fit;  but, 
though  you  kill  me  on  the  spot,  I can  but  repeat 
the  words,  I have  done  nothing!  ” 

“And  what  are  these  trifles  which  you  con- 
cealed from  me  so  carefully?” 

“ Only  a few  visits  to  my  old  friend  Victoria. 
You  debar  me  from  all  my  old  pleasures.  Surely 
one  can  have  a little  variety  once  in  awhile.  But 
I have  done  nothing  wrong,”  she  repeated  vehe- 
mently; “you  may  or  may  not  believe  me,  but  I 
am  telling  you  the  truth.” 

Klaus  remained  very  quiet.  He  believed  his 
wife’s  repeated  assurances  that  his  honor  as  a 
husband  had  not  been  sullied;  but  how  long 
would  this  be  so?  He  knew  that  chance  alone, 
and  not  the  moral  principle  of  his  wife,  had 
saved  him,  so  far,  from  humiliation  and  dis- 
honor. 

“The  duck  returns  to  water,”  and  his  wife, 
behind  his  back,  had  found  her  way  to  her  for- 
mer companions — that  was  all.  Wilhelm  had 
given  good  advice  at  parting.  He  would  decide 
at  once  what  to  do,  and  he  would  abide  by  his 
own  decision. 

He  rose  and  left  the  room.  Kathi  remained 
sitting  where  he  had  left  her  for  a short  time. 
She  took  up  the  letter  and  read  it  through  a 
second  time,  then  she  crushed  it  in  her  hand. 

‘ ‘ The  low,  miserable  wretch ! ’ ’ she  cried.  ‘ ‘ But 


218 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


you  have  not  seen  the  last  of  me  yet.  Wait  until 
we  meet — only  wait!  ” 

Then  she  rose  and  went  thoughtfully  to  her 
room. 

“I’m  curious  to  know  what  he’ll  do  now.  He 
can  not  do  much.  I haven’t  committed  any  crime. 
He  might  turn  me  out.  Well,  I would  not  have 
to  stay  in  the  streets.  I’d  get  an  engagement  at 
once,  and  Toni  would  lose  hers  in  a week,  for  I 
can  sing  and  dance  much  better  than  she.  I 
wouldn’ t regard  that  as  any  great  misfortune.  It 
would  be  gayer  than  this  stupid  life  here.  Let 
him  do  what  he  chooses;  it’s  all  one  to  me.  ” 

At  1 o’clock  that  day  Klaus  Bewer  sent  his 
card  into  the  private  office  of  his  attorney,  Felix 
Quintus.  He  was  admitted  at  once. 

Klaus  was  surprised  upon  entering  the  eminent 
lawyer’s  room  to  see  that  the  man  who  rose  to 
receive  him  was  of  so  youthful  an  appearance. 
The  lawyer  had  a round,  jovial  face,  upon  which 
he  wore  neither  beard  nor  mustache.  At  a first 
glance  he  might  have  been  taken  for  an  actor,  or 
a priest  who  had  just  taken  orders;  but  a longer 
look  at  the  tall,  graceful  man  assured  one  that  he 
had  outlived  his  boyhood’s  years.  A life  a little 
too  convivial,  perhaps,  had  brought  tinges  of  gray 
into  the  brown  curly  hair,  and  deep  lines  in  the 
high,  broad  forehead,  over  his  large,  intelligent 
blue  eyes,  gave  evidence  of  hard  work  with  no 


MK.  AND  MKS.  BEWEE. 


219 


intervals  for  rest.  A pair  of  gold-rimmed  eye- 
glasses rested  upon  his  nose.  His  complexion 
was  fresh  and  clear;  his  well-formed  mouth  and 
thin  lips  showed  great  decision  of  character.  He 
was  well,  even  elegantly  dressed,  perhaps  a little 
too  youthfully  for  his  years. 

Felix  Quintus  was  an  acknowledged  favorite  in 
all  circles  of  Berlin  society.  He  was  deferential 
and  obliging  to  the  ladies,  and  a great  blessing  to 
the  men,  for  he  brought  humor  and  life  into  every 
room  he  entered.  He  had  a cultivated  palate,  and 
never  smoked  any  but  the  best  cigars,  and  was  a 
master  hand  at  all  social  games;  skittles,  billiards, 
quinze,  bezique,  piquet,  chess — it  mattered  not 
what,  he  was  an  adept  at  them  all.  He  never  gam- 
bled, at  least  not  to  any  extent,  and  never  gave 
himself  airs  of  superiority  over  the  uninitiated.  It 
was  a riddle  to  his  friends  how  he  did  it  all.  He 
was  seen  everywhere;  never  refused  an  invitation, 
even  to  the  most  modest  dinner,  and  never  missed 
a club  night.  Yet,  with  it  all,  he  had  made 
unheard-of  strides  in  his  profession,  and  never 
neglected  the  minutest  detail  of  his  enormous 
practice. 

“I’ve  just  this  moment  finished  reading  your 
letter,  Herr  Bewer,”  he  said  pleasantly,  extend- 
ing his  hand  to  the  visitor.  “ I did  not  think  I 
should  see  you  so  soon.” 

“ I have  delayed  too  long  already  in  tendering 


220 


ME.  AND  ME8.  BEWER 


my  thanks  for  the  great  service  yon  have  done 
me,”  said  Klans,  shaking  the  extended  hand  cor- 
dially. 

“ Take  this  chair.  Won’t  you  smoke?  Are  you 
a connoisseur?  I have  a little  box  here  of  choice 
cigars  such  as  can  not  be  bought  now,  positively 
can  not  be  bought.  There  are  no  more  in  the 
market.” 

He  had  taken  a small  box  from  the  table  while 
speaking,  and  offered  it  to  Klaus. 

The  two  men  lit  their  cigars  and  smoked  in 
silence  for  a minute. 

“ I have  come  to  you  on  another  mission  than 
that  of  mere  thanks,”  began  Klaus.  “I  wish 
to  consult  with  you,  to  ask  your  advice  and  take 
advantage  of  your  experience  in  a matter  which 
is  of  great  import  to  me.” 

“ I am  at  your  service,”  answered  the  lawyer 
politely. 

‘ ‘ Can  you  give  me  your  time  to-day,  now,  and 
shall  we  be  undisturbed?” 

“I  will  give  orders  that  we  shall  not  be  inter- 
rupted.” 

Quintus  rang  a bell,  and  upon  the  entrance  of  a 
clerk,  gave  orders  that  he  was  not  to  be  disturbed. 
If  anyone  came  on  important  business,  the  man- 
aging clerk  was  to  see  him. 

The  clerk  took  the  liberty  of  explaining  that 
Baron  Seckt  had  an  appointment  at  2. 


ME.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


221 


“Yes,  so  he  has.  Tell  the  baron  I was  sud- 
denly called  away — to  draw  up  a will—  or  any- 
thing else  you  please.  I’ll  meet  him  at  Pop- 
penberg’s  at  6,  and  we  can  talk  his  business 
over  freely  at  table.  Now,  my  dear  sir,  I am  at 
your  service.” 

“ I come  to  speak  of  my  wife.” 

“Ah,  yes!  I hear  she  is  a charming  lady. 
I had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  her  recently  at  the 
opera  with  you.  I, have  seldom  seen  so  lovely  a 
woman.  When  I heard  her  name  and  found  she 
was  your  wife,  I decided  at  once  that  I would 
request  an  introduction  at  the  earliest  oppor- 
tunity. But  pardon  this  digression.  In  what 
way  can  I serve  your  wife?  ” 

“I  am  on  the  point  of  separating  from  her.” 

The  lawyer  looked  serious  at  once,  and  said 
quietly,  with  a certain  warmth: 

“Indeed!  I am  very  sorry  to  hear  it.” 

“I  have  not  determined  upon  this  course  with- 
out serious  thought.  I have  no  one  to  blame  but 
myself,  no  word  of  reproach  for  my  wife.  There 
stands  between  us  an  irreconcilable  antagonism,  a 
total  difference  of  character  and  of  conception. 
There  can  be  no  union  of  souls,  either  now  or 
later.  Our  life  together  is  merely  a vexation  to 
us  both-;  we  shall  be  happier  apart.  It  is  but 
right  that  this  decaying  bond  should  be  loosened. 
As  I have  said  to  you,  my  wife  has  done  nothing 


222 


MB.  AND  MBS.  BEWEE. 


for  which  she  should  be  punished,  and  I wish  her 
to  be  as  comfortable  as  may  be  under  the  terms 
of  our  separation  I wish  her  to  continue  living 
in  the  same  manner  in  which  she  has  done  since 
our  marriage.  She  has  no  business  knowledge 
whatever,  and  it  is  in  regard  to  this,  my  dear  sir, 
that  I wish  your  advice  and  assistance.” 

“ You’ve  made  up  your  mind?  Well,  my  dear 
sir,  I have  no  experience  to  fall  back  upon  to 
meet  the  conditions  of  your  especial  case.  I can 
but  advise  you  to  the  best  of  my  ability  without 
any  examples  of  a like  nature  to  guide  me.  Are 
there  any  children  by  this  marriage?  ” 

“No;  we  were  only  married  the  first  of  last 
September.” 

“How  old  is  your  wife,  may  I ask?” 

“ She’ll  be  twenty-one  next  June.” 

“You  speak  of  living  apart.  Do  you  mean  by 
that  a legal  separation?  ” 

‘ ‘ I shall  leave  that  to  my  wife.  All  I want  is 
the  separation.” 

“And  will  your  wife  agree  to  this  without 
opposition?  ” 

“I  believe  she  will.  I have  decided  to  leave 
her,  however,  even  against  her  will.” 

“She’ll  make  the  thing  as  easy  as  possible  for 
us,  you  think?” 

“As  easy  as  possible,  I believe.” 

“That’s  good;  for  legally  there’s  nothing  to 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


223 


work  on  at  present.  There’s  no  point  in  delay. 
The  simplest  and  most  direct  is  the  desertio  mali- 
tiosa , or  willful  desertion.  Yon  go  at  once  to 
yonr  wife  when  you  leave  here,  and  tell  her  you 
are  going  away  from  her  forever — will  never  live 
with  her  again.  I’d  advise  you  to  take  a trip  to 
Nice;  it’s  delightful  at  this  season  of  the  year.” 

“I  am  going  much  farther  than  that,”  an- 
swered Klaus  quietly. 

“Ah,  yes!  Well,  I have  just  explained  to  you 
the  simplest  way  out  of  the  trouble.  If  your  wife 
wants  an  absolute  divorce,  let  her  come  to  me.  I 
will  send  a demand  to  you  at  once  to  come  and 
live  with  her  again;  you  will  answer  in  few  words 
that  you’ll  do  nothing  of  the  sort.  Then  there  is 
nothing  left  for  her  but  to  apply  for  her  divorce 
on  the  ground  of  desertion,  and  you  remain  the 
guilty  party.  These  things  take  time,  so  the 
sooner  she  begins  her  suit,  if  she  is  anxious  to  be 
free,  the  better.  In  the  meantime  we  must  con- 
sider her  support.  I know  nothing  about  your 
financial  condition,  whether  you  are  rich  or  poor. 
As  soon  as  I know  that,  we  can  determine  in  a few 
words  what  pecuniary  arrangements  to  make  for 
Frau  Bewer.” 

“I  have  a house  in  Hildebrandtstrasse,  free  of 
all  incumbrance,  which  I shall  leave  to  my  wife 
—furnished  as  it  is,  together  with  certain  acces- 
sories, such  as  carriage,  horses,  etc.  I estimate 


224 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEB. 


that  she  will  need  for  household  expenses  and 
her  own  personal  wants  from  60,000  to  65,000 
marks  a year.  For  that  purpose  I shall 
deposit  enough  capital  in  the  Imperial  Bank  to 
yield  a yearly  income  of  75,000  marks,  and  that 
income  will  be  transferred  to  my  wife.  As  I 
consider  her  a bad  financier  and  housekeeper, 
I want  the  principal  so  placed  as  to  make  it 
impossible  for  her  to  touch  it.” 

“That’s  certainly  liberal  enough  for  anyone. 
Your  arrangements  for  her  comfort  are  those  of  a 
gentleman.  You  make  your  wife  a rich  woman, 
and  that  is  all  you  can  do.  But  after  you  are  sep- 
arated from  her,  remember  one  thing,  you  are 
under  no  obligations,  indeed  you  have  neither 
the  power  nor  the  right  to  remonstrate  with  her 
concerning  any  possible  whims,  or  crotchets,  or 
extravagances.  They  will  no  longer  be  your  care 
— though  they  may  concern  others  who  are  nearer 
to  her.  For  you  can  rest  assured  that  a young, 
handsome,  rich  woman  will  not  mourn  in  soli- 
tude; she  will  have  many  admirers.  You  can  see 
that  for  yourself.  I shall  be  obliged  to  you,  also, 
if  you  will  attend  to  all  matters  connected  with 
the  transfer  of  the  house  and  the  settlement  of 
the  annuity  in  the  Imperial  Bank.  In  the  mean- 
time, open  a monthly  credit  with  some  banker  in 
the  city  here  for  your  wife  while  she  still  bears 
your  name.  I suppose  the  funds  which  you  will 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


225 


deposit  in  the  Imperial  Bank  will  not  be  at  the 
disposal  of  Frau  Bewer  until  after  the  divorce. 
You  bring  me  all  the  necessary  documents,  and 
say  to  your  wife  that  I’m  entirely  at  her  service 
then  there  will  be  nothing  to  detain  you  longer 
m Berlin  everything’s  all  right  now.  I’m  only 
sorry  our  acquaintance  will  be  of  such  short  dura- 
tion. I’d  like  to  have  you  dine  with  me  at  Pop- 
penberg’ s at  6 o’  clock.  ’ ’ 

“I  thank  you,  Herr  Quintus.  To-morrow  at 
this  hour— if  it  be  convenient  for  you — I will  do 
mjself  the  honor  of  calling  again,  and  will  bring 
with  me  such  papers  as  are  necessary,  and  get 
from  you  any  suggestions  you  may  have  to 
make.” 

“ Yery  good!  W on’t  you  take  another  cigar*  ” 
“No  more,  I thank  you,  Herr  Counselor. 
Hood-morning.  ’ ’ 

* ‘ Hood-morning.  ’ ’ 

Klaus  retraced  his  steps  to  his  own  house.  He 
found  his  wife  in  her  dressing-room  with  her 
dressmaker,  who  had  just  brought  home  some  new 
garment,  with  which  Kathi  was  well  pleased. 

When  < you  are  at  leisure,  please  come  into 
the  drawing-room.” 

“ I am  at  leisure  now.” 

She  threw  a glance  into  the  mirror;  then,  ex- 
cusing herself  to  the  woman,  followed  her  ’hus- 
band. When  she  reached  the  drawing-room,  she 

1 5 


226 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


took  her  position  behind  a high -backed  easy-chair, 
leaning  her  arms  carelessly  across  it.  Drooping 
her  head,  like  a defendant  in  the  presence  of  her 
accuser,  she  waited  to  hear  what  her  husband  had 
to  say;  she  knew  well  that  it  was  something  of 
importance. 

“ Katlii,”  said  Klaus,  standing  opposite  to  her, 
“Kathi,  you  and  I must  part.” 

Kathi’s  face  became  ashy  pale.  Her  lips  trem- 
bled. She  did  not  speak,  because  she  had  no 
power  to  do  so. 

The  strong  man’s  voice  trembled  as  he  con- 
tinued: 

“ For  a time,  at  least.  As  I have  explained  to 
you  before,  my  business  in  Sumatra  has  suffered 
since  my  absence,  and  to-day  I resolved  to  return 
to  that  island.  Of  course,  I could  not  go  on  such 
a journey  without  making  all  necessary  arrange- 
ments for  your  comfort.  The  distance  is  great, 
and  one  never  knows  what  may  happen.  I may 
never  return.  You  will  be  left  perfectly  inde- 
pendent, so  that  my  absence  need  make  no  differ- 
ence in  your  mode  of  living;  and  you  will  be 
equally  well  provided  for  in  the  case  of  my  dying 
suddenly.  I have  intrusted  all  my  business 
arrangements  in  your  behalf  to  my  attorney, 
Herr  Felix  Quintus;  a most  excellent  man,  upon 
whom  you  can  always  rely.  He  is  at  your  service 
for  the  future,  if  you  wish  for  advice  or  instruc- 


ME.  AND  MES.  BEWEE. 


227 


tion.  I have  left  you  this  house,  just  as  it  is;  the 
deeds  will  be  transferred  to  you  before  I leave 
Berlin.  I shall  wish  you  to  keep  it  up  as  you 
have  done  so  far,  and  I leave  you  an  income  suffi- 
cient for  that  purpose.  I shall  not  leave  Europe 
for  seven  or  eight  weeks,  as  it  will  require  all  that 
time  to  consummate  my  plans,  but  I shall  leave 
this  house  a week  from  this  day.  If  you  wish  me 
to  do  anything  for  you,  if  I can  gratify  any  unful- 
filled desire  before  I go,  I beg  you  to  let  me  know. 
As  I have  before  said,  when  I am  gone,  Herr 
Quintus  will  be  at  your  service.  I desire  nothing 
further  from  you  than  that  you  do  your  duty,  and 
remember  what  you  owe  to  the  man  whose  name 
you  bear — that  is,  so  long  as  you  bear  it.  I can 
but  beg  you  to  be  prudent  and  chaste.  I am 
going  on  a long  journey,  a very  long  journey.  If 
you  find  the  time  drag  and  you  wish  your  entire 
freedom,  it  will  be  all  the  better  and  easier  for 
you  if  you  can  prove  your  life  has  been  above 
reproach.  And  now,  good-by,  Kathi.  We  shall 
see  little  of  one  another  these  last  few  days,  for  I 
shall  have  many  claims  upon  my  time.  Gfood-by, 
Kathi.” 

Kathi  stood  as  one  turned  to  stone;  her  hands 
had  not  moved  from  their  resting-place  across  the 
chair-back.  As  her  husband  spoke  the  last  words, 
the  tears  trickled  down  her  cheeks  and  she  sobbed 
aloud. 


228 


MR.  AND  MRS.  BEWER. 


“I  understand  it  all!  But  I have  done  nothing, 
I have  done  nothing.” 

She  broke  into  sobs  again. 

“You  have  done  nothing.  I do  not  accuse  you 
of  doing  anything.  Only  it  is  better  so;  Kathi, 
believe  me,  it  is  better  so.  Do  not  make  our  part- 
ing hard.  I could  say  much  more  to  you,  but 
you  would  hardly  comprehend  me.  You  have 
not  been  happy.  It  is  better  so.” 

“That  you  should  believe  such  a low  creature,” 
said  Kathi,  between  her  sobs;  “that  is  what 
vexes  me.” 

“You  really  do  not  understand  me,”  said 
Klaus  good-naturedly.  “ I believe  what  you  told 
me;  but  it  is  better  so.” 

He  turned  slowly  away  and  went  to  his  room. 
He  locked  himself  in,  and  did  not  open  the  door 
again  until  far  into  the  night. 

Kathi  sobbed  for  a time  in  a comfortable  corner 
of  the  sofa.  At  last  she  dried  her  red  eyes,  and 
exclaimed: 

“Well,  I don’t  care!  ” 

The  Trench  steamer  outward  bound  from  Mar- 
seilles had  left  the  harbor  of  the  city  about  five 
hours  before. 

It  was  the  same  ship  which  in  midsummer  of 
the  previous  year  had  brought  the  “King  of 
Sumatra”  across  the  ocean  on  his  homeward 


ME.  AMD  MBS.  BEWEE. 


229 


journey.  Now  the  pilot,  who  heeded  little  who 
came  or  went,  turned  her  face  again  toward  the 
east. 

The  sun  was  yet  high  in  the  clear  blue  May  sky, 
and  a few  airy,  fleecy  clouds  sailed  near  the  hori- 
zon. The  sea  was  calm  and  still. 

Klaus  stood  near  the  wheel-house  and  gazed  into 
the  deep  green  water,  watching  the  dashing  waves 
as  the  revolving  paddles  churned  them  into  foam. 
He  leaned  upon  the  rail  until  he  grew  dizzy  with 
watching  the  rush  of  the  swift-passing  water  and 
his  ear  grew  heavy  with  the  monotonous  crash  of 
the  machinery. 

The  parting  from  Kathi  had  been  harder,  much 
harder,  than  he  had  thought. 

“It  is  better  so!”  he  had  repeated  over  and 
over  again.  “ It  must  be!  ” 

But  nothing  could  blind  him  to  the  truth  that 
he  was  leaving  the  woman  whom  he  had  loved 
more  than  all  else  on  earth. 

The  engine  panted  and  hammered  and  the  wheels 
crashed  through  the  beating  waves.  Klaus  still 
stood  looking  down  into  the  rushing  water.  Out 
of  all  the  noise  and  turmoil  came,  soft  and  low,  a 
simple  melody  which  the  lonely  man  hummed 
with  closed  lips.  It  was  a homely,  touching  air,  a 
song  which  that  last  sad  Christmas-night  had  rung 
in  his  ears,  and  even  while  he  slept  had  been  with 


230 


ME.  AND  MBS.  BE  WEE. 


him  in  Ms  dreams — a ballad,  the  words  of  which  he 
then  had  tried  in  vain  to  seize. 

Now  he  remembered  them,  and  smiled  sadly  as 
the  words  came  back  to  him.  It  was  the  song 
which  he  had  heard  Kathi  sing  the  first  night  he 
ever  saw  her;  he  sang  it  over  softly  to  Mmself 
now: 

“ Forsaken,  forsaken, 

Forsaken  am  I. 

Like  a flower,  sear  and  withered, 

Deserted  I lie.” 


The  End. 


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GLOBE  LIBRARY. 


A LIBRARY  OK  SELECTED  WRITINGS  BY  THE  MOST  POPULAR 
AUTHORS  25  CENTS  EACH. 


No. 

1.  Called  Back,  Hugh  Conway. 

2.  Article  722,  F.  Du  Boisgobey. 

3.  Bad  to  Beat,  Hawley  Smart. 

4.  The  Master  of  the  Mine,  R.  Buchanan. 

5.  Love’s  Martyr,  Adolphe  D’Ennery. 

6.  The  Case  of  Reuben  Malachi. 

7.  A Fight  for  a Fortune,  Du  Boisgobey 

8.  The  Matapan  Affair,  F.  Du  Boisgobey 

9.  A Woman’s  Sacrifice,  Leonce  Ferret. 

10.  Karma,  A.  P.  Sinnett. 

11.  A Dark  Deed,  De  Brehat. 

12.  A House  Party,  “ Ouida.” 

13.  The  Gray  and  the  Blue,  E,  R.  Roe. 

14.  The  Detective’s  Eye,  F.  Du  Boisgobey 

15.  A Steel  Necklace,  F.  Du  Boisgobey. 

17.  Jess,  H.  Rider  Haggard. 

18.  She,  H.  Rider  Haggard. 

19.  King  Solomon’s  Mines,  R.  Haggard. 

20.  Dark  Days,  Hugh  Conway. 

21.  Death  or  Dishonor,  F.  Du  Boisgobey. 

22.  The  One  Thing  Needful,  Braddon. 

23.  The  Evil  Genius,  Wilkie  Collins. 

24.  Fedora,  A.  Belot. 

25.  Life  of  Henry  Ward  Beecher. 

26.  Allan  Quatermain,  H.  R.  Haggard. 

27.  Only  a Farmer’s  Daughter,  Andrews. 

28.  A Commercial  Trip,  G.  H.  Bartlett. 

29.  West  of  the  Missouri,  J.  W.  Steele. 

30.  Fast  and  Loose,  Arthur  Griffiths. 

31.  A Modern  Circe,  “ The  Duchess.” 

32.  A Puritan  Lover,  L.  C.  S.  Fessenden. 

33.  As  in  a Looking  Glass,  F.  C.  Philips. 

34.  For  Her  Daily  Bread. 

35.  A Lucky  Young  Woman,  F.  C.  Philips 

36.  The  Duchess,  by  “The  Duchess.” 

37.  Calamity  Row,  John  R.  Mnsick. 

38.  The  Strange  Case  of  Dr.  Jekyll  and 

Mr.  Hyde,  R.  L.  Stevenson. 

39.  Texar’s  Revenge,  Jules  Verne. 

40.  A Baton  for  a Heart,  “ Besval.” 

41.  Marriage  and  Divorce. 

/42.  Marsa,  the  Gypsy  Bride,  J.  Claretie. 

43.  The  Great  Hesper,  Frank  Barrett. 

44.  A Prince  of  the  Blood,  James  Payn. 

45.  Jack  and  Three  Jills,  F.  C.  Philips. 

46.  Mona’s  Choice,  Mrs.  Alexander. 

47.  Anselma,  V.  Sardou. 

48.  Marvel,  “ The  Duchess.” 

49.  The  Story  of  Antony  Grace,  Fenn. 

50.  A False  Start,  Hawley  Smart. 

51.  A Life  Interest,  Mrs.  Alexander. 

52.  A Flurry  in  Diamonds,  “A.  Chiptree.” 

53.  Barbara. 

54.  The  Passenger  from  Scotland  Yard. 

55.  Herr  Paulus,  Walter  Besant. 

56.  The  Partners,  Alphonse  Daudet. 

57.  The  Wrong  Road,  Arthur  Griffiths. 

58.  King  or  Knave,  R.  E.  Francillon. 

59.  A Real  Good  Thing,  Mrs.  E.  Kennard. 

60.  Napoleon  and  Marie  Louise,  Durand. 

61.  Chris,  W.  E.  Norris. 

62.  Old  Blazer’s  Hero,  D.  C.  Murray. 

63.  La  Tosca,  V.  Sardou. 

64.  The  Blackhall  Ghosts,  Sarah  Tytler. 

65.  The  Mystery  of  a Hansom  Cab,  Hume 

67.  The  Heir  of  Linne,  Robert  Buchanan 

68.  By  Misadventure,  Frank  Barrett. 

69.  Lady  Hutton’s  Ward,  B.  M.  Clay. 

70.  Tracking  the  Truth. 

71.  Mr.  Meeson’s  Will.H.  Rider  Haggard. 

72.  Dr.  Glennie’s  Daughter,  B.  L.  Farjeon 

73.  In  All  Shades,  Grant  Allen. 

74.  Joe : A Remarkable  Case,  E.  R.  Roe. 

75.  Danira,  E.  Werner. 

76.  Living  or  Dead,  Hugh  Conway. 

77.  Valerie,  by  the  author  of  “ Vere.” 

78.  A Mere  Child,  L.  B.  Walford. 

79.  Fairy  Gold. 

80.  Madam’s  Ward,  Carl  Andrews. 

81.  The  Story  of  an  African  Farm. 


No. 

82.  The  Unpopular  Public. 

83.  The  Dream  (Le  Reve),  E.  Zola. 

84.  The  Rogue,  W.  E.  Norris. 

85.  Miss  Bretherton,  Mrs.  H.  Ward. 

86.  A Dangerous  Catspaw. 

87.  Raleigh  Rivers,  O.  O’B.  Strayer. 

88.  Jack  Dudley’s  Wife,  E.  M.  Davy. 

89.  The  Maddoxes,  Jean  Middlemass. 

90.  Adam  Bede,  George  Eliot. 

91.  The  Queen’s  Token,  Mrs.  Cashel  Hoey 

92.  The  Ladies’  Gallery. 

93.  The  Englishman  of  the  Rue  Cain. 

94.  Is  Marriage  a Failure  ? 

95.  Almeda,  Dr.  N.  T.  Oliver. 

96.  Mademoiselle  Solange,  F.  De  Julliot. 

97.  The  Reproach  of  Annesley,  M.  Gray. 

98.  Three  Years,  Countess  Schwerin. 

99.  Vere,  by  One  of  the  Profession. 

100.  The  Girl  from  Malta,  F.  W.  Hume. 

101.  Cleopatra,  H.  Rider  Haggard. 

103.  The  Tents  of  Shem,  Grant  Allen. 

104.  A'Crooked  Path,  Mrs.  Alexander. 

105.  Marooned,  W.  Clark  Russell. 

106.  Could  Aught  Atone?  Anonymous. 

107.  The  Golgotha  of  the  Heart. 

108.  Dr.  Wilbur’s  Note-Book,  Dr.  Oliver. 

109.  Roland  Oliver,  Justin  McCarthy. 

110.  Rhea,  Rene  De  Pont-Jest. 

111.  Mrs.  Annie  Green,  Opie  P.  Read. 

112.  For  Love  of  Her. 

113.  Allan’s  Wife,  H.  Rider  Haggard. 

115.  Lady  Clancarty,  A.  D.  Hall. 

116.  The  Salvation  Army,  “ Nora  Marks.” 

117.  Trollope’s  Dilemma,  St.  Aubyn. 

118.  Blind  Love,  Wilkie  Collins. 

119.  A Noble  Woman,  Henry  Greville. 

120.  Pyrrha,  Pauline  Grayson. 

121.  The  Danvers  Jewels. 

122.  Hayne  Home,  Anna  Oldfield  Wiggs. 

124.  Trovata,  M.  F.  Seymour. 

125.  Beatrice,  H.  Ride'-  Haggard. 

126.  Burritt  Durand,  John  McGovern. 

127.  Cloister  Wendhusen,  W.  Heimburg. 

128.  Evolution  of  “ Dodd,”  W.  H.  Smith. 

129.  Looking  Further  Forward,  Michaelis 

130.  Whose  Hand?  WillsandMrs.  Greene. 

131.  From  Darkness  to  Light. 

132.  Stairs  of  Sand,  Nancy  H.  Banks. 

133.  EinBlick  in  die  Zukunft;  translation 

of  “ Looking  Further  Forward.” 

134.  Stories  of  the  Base  Ball  Field. 

135.  A Fellow  of  Trinity. 

136.  Three  Men  in  a Boat.  J.  K.  Jerome. 

137.  The  Phantom  ’Rickshaw,  R.  Kipling. 

138.  A Marriage  at  Sea,  W.  C.  Russell. 

139.  The  Burmah  Treasure,  S.  P.  Sheffield. 

140.  Black  Beauty,  Anna  Sewell. 

141.  The  Marriage  of  Gabrielle,  Lesueur. 

142.  The  Judge,  Elia  W.  Peattie. 

143.  Barberine,  Mary  Neal  Sherwood. 

144.  Constance  Winter’s  Choice. 

145.  The  Light  that  Failed,  R.  Kipling. 

146.  A Marriage  for  Love,  L.  Halevy. 

147.  Hoodwinked,  T.  W.  Speight. 

148.  Hortense,  W.  Heimburg, 

149.  Wee  Willie  Winkie,  R.  Kipling. 

150.  Idle  Time  Tales. 

151.  An  Ideal  Fanatic,  H.  E.  Porch. 

152.  An  American  Girl  in  London. 

153.  Daniel  Trentworthy,  J.  McGovern. 

154.  The  Slaves  of  Folly,  Wm.  H.  BrowA. 

155.  Up  Terrapin  River,  Opie  P.  Read. 

156.  My  Lady  Nicotine,  J.  M.  Barrie. 

157.  The  Romance  of  a Child,  P.  Loti. 

158.  A Little  Rebel,  “ The  Duchess.” 

159.  What’s  Bred  in  the  Bone,  G.  Allen. 

160.  Hints  for  the  Million. 

161.  Elsie,  W.  Heimburg. 

102.  Diana  of  the  Crossways,  Meredith. 
163.  A Matter  of  Skill,  Beatrice  Whitby. 


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